CVE-2015-2086 in Panopoly Magic
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the live preview in the Panopoly Magic module before 7.x-1.17 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a pane title.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2018
The CVE-2015-2086 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Panopoly Magic module for Drupal platforms, specifically affecting versions prior to 7.x-1.17. This vulnerability resides in the live preview functionality of the module, which is designed to provide real-time content visualization for administrators. The flaw allows authenticated users to execute malicious scripts by manipulating pane titles, creating a significant security risk that extends beyond typical user permissions. The vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of user input in pane title fields, where insufficient sanitization permits the injection of malicious HTML and JavaScript code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the Panopoly Magic module's live preview mechanism. When administrators or authorized users create or modify content panes, the module processes pane titles without proper sanitization of potentially malicious content. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to embed script tags, event handlers, or other malicious web content directly into pane titles. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of authenticated users, meaning that any user with appropriate permissions can exploit this flaw. The attack vector specifically exploits the live preview feature, which dynamically renders content as users interact with the interface, making the malicious code execute in the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of other users, or redirect victims to malicious sites. Since the vulnerability affects the live preview functionality, any authenticated user can craft malicious pane titles that will execute when other users view the preview. This creates a persistent threat vector where malicious actors can establish a foothold within the Drupal environment by targeting administrators or content creators who regularly use the live preview feature. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to the overall integrity of the content management system, as it allows for the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2086 primarily focus on immediate patching of the affected Panopoly Magic module to version 7.x-1.17 or later, which contains proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including strict input validation for all user-supplied content, particularly in administrative interfaces where live preview features are enabled. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which catalogs cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all Drupal modules that implement live preview or similar real-time rendering features, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other components of the platform. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be implemented to prevent similar issues from emerging in custom modules or third-party components that may not have been properly vetted for security vulnerabilities.