CVE-2015-3362 in Video Module
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Video module before 7.x-2.11 for Drupal, when using the video WYSIWYG plugin, allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a node title.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2019
The CVE-2015-3362 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Drupal content management system's Video module, specifically affecting versions prior to 7.x-2.11. This vulnerability operates within the context of web application security where malicious actors can exploit improper input validation mechanisms to execute arbitrary code in the browsers of unsuspecting users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the WYSIWYG plugin functionality, which is commonly used by content administrators to create rich media content within Drupal's user interface.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user input within the node title field when processed through the video WYSIWYG plugin. When authenticated users with appropriate permissions create or edit content nodes containing video embeds, the system fails to properly escape or validate special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This improper handling allows attackers to inject malicious payloads directly into the node title field, which then gets rendered in the browser without adequate security filtering. The vulnerability specifically exploits the trust relationship between the Drupal application and its authenticated users, leveraging their legitimate access privileges to bypass security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An authenticated attacker with permission to create or edit content can craft specially formatted node titles that contain malicious JavaScript code, which executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected content. This creates a persistent threat vector where compromised users may unknowingly execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete account compromise or further exploitation within the Drupal environment. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of content management and can undermine the security posture of entire Drupal installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3362 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Video module to version 7.x-2.11 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including strict input validation at multiple layers, comprehensive content sanitization, and regular security audits of third-party modules. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a fundamental web application security weakness, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution through web applications. Administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security training for users to reduce the risk of successful exploitation. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected modules and ensure that all Drupal core and contributed modules are kept up to date with the latest security patches.