CVE-2014-9501 in Poll Chart Block
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Poll Chart Block module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.2 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a poll node title.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2018
The CVE-2014-9501 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Poll Chart Block module for Drupal versions 7.x-1.x prior to 7.x-1.2. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of poll node titles, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The flaw exists in the module's insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms, which fail to properly sanitize user-provided data before rendering it in web pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects authenticated users, meaning that attackers who have gained access to legitimate user accounts can exploit this weakness to compromise other users within the same Drupal environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user creates or modifies a poll node title containing malicious script code. When other users view the poll node, the improperly sanitized title gets rendered directly into the HTML output without appropriate encoding or filtering. This allows attackers to inject javascript code, html tags, or other malicious content that executes in the browsers of other users who access the affected poll node. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content. The module's failure to implement proper output escaping mechanisms when displaying poll node titles creates an environment where user input can be interpreted as executable code rather than plain text.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9501 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, redirect users to malicious websites, or even execute administrative actions if the compromised user has elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the Drupal site's data and user interactions, as malicious scripts can access cookies, local storage, and other browser-based data that might contain session tokens or sensitive information. In multi-user environments where administrators or content creators might view poll nodes, the potential for privilege escalation increases significantly. The vulnerability also undermines user trust in the platform's security, as users may unknowingly execute malicious code when viewing content they perceive as legitimate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9501 require immediate patching of the affected Poll Chart Block module to version 7.x-1.2 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, ensuring that all user-provided content undergoes strict sanitization before being stored or displayed. The Drupal security team recommends upgrading to the latest stable versions of all contributed modules and maintaining regular security audits. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies to restrict script execution, using web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and educating users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or content. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in poll node creation or modification activities, as these may indicate attempted exploitation of the vulnerability. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper HTML escaping for all user-generated content in poll node titles, preventing the execution of malicious scripts while maintaining the functionality of the polling system.