CVE-2014-8378 in TableField
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the TableField module 7.x-2.x before 7.x-2.3 allows remote authenticated users with the "administer content types" or "administer taxonomy" permission to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to the field help text in an entity edit form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2019
The CVE-2014-8378 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the TableField module for Drupal 7.x-2.x versions prior to 7.x-2.3. This vulnerability specifically targets authenticated users who possess administrative permissions, creating a significant security risk for Drupal-based web applications. The flaw exists in the module's handling of field help text within entity edit forms, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web page content without proper validation or encoding.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker with the "administer content types" or "administer taxonomy" permissions accesses the entity edit form interface. During this process, the module fails to adequately sanitize the field help text input, allowing malicious scripts to be stored and subsequently executed when other users view the affected forms. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate administrative privileges, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing for persistent malicious code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which encompasses command and scripting interpreters, as the injected scripts can execute within the browser context of other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, redirect users to malicious sites, steal sensitive data, or even escalate privileges within the application. When combined with the administrative permissions required for exploitation, the potential for damage increases significantly, as attackers could manipulate content types, alter taxonomy structures, or compromise the integrity of the entire content management system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the TableField module and demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched version 7.x-2.3 of the TableField module, implementing additional input sanitization measures, and conducting thorough security reviews of all administrative interfaces. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper output encoding and input validation in web applications, particularly in modules that handle user-provided content within administrative interfaces, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth and principle of least privilege. Regular security assessments and patch management processes should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the Drupal ecosystem.