CVE-2014-7870 in Custom Search module
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Custom Search module 6.x-1.x before 6.x-1.12 and 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.14 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users with the "administer custom search" permission to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the "Label text" field to admin/config/search/custom_search/results.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2018
The CVE-2014-7870 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Custom Search module for Drupal platforms, specifically affecting versions 6.x-1.x prior to 6.x-1.12 and 7.x-1.x prior to 7.x-1.14. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface of the module where users with the "administer custom search" permission can manipulate the "Label text" field through the admin/config/search/custom_search/results endpoint. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code that can execute in the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant security risk for Drupal installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the Custom Search module's administrative form processing. When administrators enter content into the "Label text" field, the module fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This lack of proper sanitization creates an XSS attack vector where malicious payloads can be stored in the application's database and subsequently executed when other users view the affected search results page. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only the "administer custom search" permission, which is often granted to trusted users who may not be fully aware of the security implications of their input.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-7870 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially escalate their privileges within the Drupal environment or compromise other users who access the search results page. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines the weakness of cross-site scripting, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection. The attack surface is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where administrators may unknowingly introduce malicious code through seemingly benign label text entries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7870 primarily involve upgrading to the patched versions of the Custom Search module where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate security patches and ensure all Drupal installations are updated to the latest stable versions. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough input validation on all administrative fields and consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regular security audits and monitoring of administrative activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while user education about the risks of entering untrusted content into administrative interfaces remains crucial for overall security posture. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper sanitization practices in web applications and the potential consequences of inadequate input validation in privileged administrative functions.