CVE-2014-8744 in Nivo Slider
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Nivo Slider module 7.x-2.x before 7.x-1.11 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users with the "administer nivo slider" permission to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an image title.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2018
The CVE-2014-8744 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Nivo Slider module for Drupal, specifically affecting versions 7.x-2.x prior to 7.x-1.11. This vulnerability operates within the context of web application security where malicious actors can exploit weaknesses in input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The flaw manifests when authenticated users with administrative privileges attempt to manipulate slider image metadata, creating a vector for persistent code injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of image title fields within the Nivo Slider module interface. When administrators enter specially crafted script code into image title fields, the module fails to properly sanitize or encode this input before rendering it in web pages. This inadequate input validation creates a persistent XSS vector where malicious scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected slider content. The vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of user-provided metadata, bypassing standard security controls that should prevent untrusted input from being executed as code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, or redirect users to malicious websites. The fact that this requires only the "administer nivo slider" permission makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who have legitimate administrative access but may not be fully trusted. This scenario creates a significant risk for organizations where administrative privileges are not adequately segmented or monitored, allowing for potential privilege escalation attacks that could compromise entire web applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version 7.x-1.11 of the Nivo Slider module, implementing proper input sanitization measures, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all administrative interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws, and follows attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of web application attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies, regular security audits of contributed modules, and privileged access monitoring to prevent unauthorized exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.