CVE-2014-3453 in flag
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in the flag_import_form_validate function in includes/flag.export.inc in the Flag module 7.x-3.0, 7.x-3.5, and earlier for Drupal allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary PHP code via the "Flag import code" text area to admin/structure/flags/import. NOTE: this issue could also be exploited by other attackers if the administrator ignores a security warning on the permissions assignment page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The CVE-2014-3453 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code execution flaw within the Flag module for Drupal platforms, specifically affecting versions 7.x-3.0 through 7.x-3.5. This vulnerability resides within the flag_import_form_validate function located in the includes/flag.export.inc file, creating a dangerous attack vector that enables remote code execution through a carefully crafted input field. The flaw manifests when administrators access the Flag import functionality at admin/structure/flags/import, where a specially crafted payload can be injected into the "Flag import code" text area, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization and validation within the Drupal module's form handling system. When the flag_import_form_validate function processes user input, it fails to properly escape or filter the imported code, allowing malicious PHP code to be executed within the context of the web server process. This represents a classic evaluation injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to improper input validation. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, leveraging the trust relationship between the administrative interface and the underlying Drupal system to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected Drupal installations. Since the exploit requires only authenticated access to the administrative interface, attackers who can obtain valid administrator credentials or who exploit other vulnerabilities to gain access to administrative functions can execute arbitrary PHP code with full system privileges. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Drupal's Flag module for content management and workflow automation, as the compromise of a single administrative account can lead to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's exploitation path is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through a standard administrative interface, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected for extended periods.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by multiple threat actors, not just traditional administrators. According to ATT&CK framework considerations, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can leverage compromised administrative accounts or exploit the permissions assignment page to bypass security warnings. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation strategies to limit the potential damage from such vulnerabilities. The recommended mitigations include immediate patching to versions 7.x-3.6 or later, implementing strict input validation and sanitization procedures, and establishing robust monitoring for unusual administrative activities. Additionally, organizations should enforce principle of least privilege, ensuring that administrative access is tightly controlled and that security warnings are not ignored during permission assignments, as highlighted in the original vulnerability description's emphasis on the potential for broader exploitation when administrators bypass security prompts.