CVE-2015-3371 in Node Invite Module
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the Node Invite module before 6.x-2.5 for Drupal allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via the destination parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2019
The CVE-2015-3371 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw within the Node Invite module for Drupal platforms, specifically affecting versions prior to 6.x-2.5. This vulnerability exposes web applications to sophisticated social engineering attacks by allowing malicious actors to manipulate user redirection behavior through crafted URLs. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify the destination parameter, creating an exploitable pathway for attackers to redirect unsuspecting users to malicious websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the module's handling of the destination parameter within URL redirection logic. When users attempt to access protected content or perform specific actions within the Drupal environment, the system processes a destination parameter that should ideally be validated against a whitelist of approved domains. However, the Node Invite module fails to implement proper sanitization checks, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary URLs that bypass normal access controls. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations utilizing affected Drupal installations. Attackers can leverage the open redirect to conduct phishing campaigns by redirecting users to fake login pages that closely mimic legitimate authentication portals, thereby stealing credentials or personal information. The vulnerability also enables more sophisticated attack scenarios including malware distribution, credential harvesting, and reputation damage to the affected organization. Users who trust the legitimate website may unknowingly navigate to malicious sites, creating a trust-based attack vector that bypasses traditional security controls.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on initial access and credential access phases. Attackers can use this flaw as a stepping stone for broader attacks by first establishing user trust through legitimate-looking redirects before attempting more advanced exploitation techniques. The vulnerability also maps to CWE-601, which specifically addresses URL redirect vulnerabilities and the potential for phishing attacks through unvalidated redirects. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including updating to version 6.x-2.5 or later of the Node Invite module, implementing proper input validation for destination parameters, and establishing domain whitelisting mechanisms to prevent unauthorized redirects.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability as part of broader web application security assessments, particularly when evaluating Drupal installations for compliance with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten. The remediation process involves not only updating the vulnerable module but also conducting comprehensive security reviews of all redirect mechanisms within the application. Organizations should implement additional layers of protection including content security policies, proper logging and monitoring of redirect activities, and user education about recognizing suspicious redirection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper access control mechanisms in preventing seemingly simple flaws from becoming significant security breaches.