CVE-2014-5170 in Storage API Module
Summary
by MITRE
The Storage API module 7.x before 7.x-1.6 for Drupal might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging failure to update .htaccess file contents after SA-CORE-2013-003.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5170 affects the Storage API module in Drupal version 7.x prior to 7.x-1.6 and represents a critical security flaw that emerged from the module's inadequate handling of .htaccess file updates following the SA-CORE-2013-003 security advisory. This issue falls under the category of inadequate input validation and improper privilege management, which are commonly classified under CWE-20 and CWE-264 respectively. The vulnerability stems from the Storage API module's failure to properly update the .htaccess file contents when security patches were applied, creating a persistent security gap that attackers could exploit.
The technical flaw manifests when the Storage API module does not correctly modify the .htaccess file to reflect updated security configurations after the SA-CORE-2013-003 patch was implemented. This failure creates a scenario where the web server's access controls remain vulnerable to unauthorized file access, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security measures that should prevent direct access to sensitive files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages a known security patch that was designed to address critical issues, yet the Storage API module's implementation failed to properly apply these protections. This represents a classic case of incomplete security remediation where the fix for one vulnerability inadvertently creates a new attack vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5170 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on affected Drupal installations. This arbitrary code execution vulnerability allows attackers to gain full control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations running Drupal 7.x installations with the Storage API module version 7.x before 7.x-1.6, making it particularly concerning given Drupal's widespread adoption in web applications. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to upload malicious files, execute commands, and establish persistent access to the compromised systems, which aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 and T1078.004 sub-techniques for command and script injection and valid accounts respectively.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in the security update process, where the remediation of one security issue creates an unintended consequence that maintains or even increases the attack surface. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Drupal installations may host sensitive data and critical business applications. The lack of proper .htaccess file management during security updates creates a persistent backdoor that attackers can leverage for extended periods without detection, making it a significant concern for security teams responsible for maintaining web application security. Organizations implementing the ATT&CK framework would identify this vulnerability as a potential lateral movement vector and a method for establishing persistence, as the arbitrary code execution capability allows attackers to deploy additional malicious tools and maintain access to compromised systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of thorough testing and validation of security updates, particularly when modules interact with core web server configuration files that control access permissions and security boundaries.