CVE-2015-3387 in Taxonomy Tools Module
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Taxonomy Tools module before 7.x-1.4 for Drupal allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a (1) node or (2) taxonomy term title.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3387 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Taxonomy Tools module of Drupal CMS versions prior to 7.x-1.4. This issue affects the core functionality of content management systems that rely on Drupal's taxonomy management capabilities, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing these platforms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the module's handling of node and taxonomy term titles, which are fundamental components of Drupal's content organization system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote authenticated users with appropriate permissions manipulate node or taxonomy term titles through the administrative interface. These users can inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code directly into the title fields, which are then rendered in the user interface without proper sanitization. The flaw exists because the module fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before it is processed and displayed, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of other users' browsers. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's rendering logic where titles are displayed in administrative interfaces, making it particularly dangerous for users with administrative privileges who might be tricked into viewing malicious content.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3387 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to potentially hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that attackers who have gained any level of administrative privileges can exploit it. This creates a scenario where a compromised account can be used to inject malicious code that affects all users who view the affected content, potentially leading to widespread session hijacking or data exfiltration. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate administrative functionality, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the recommended patch updates to Drupal 7.x-1.4 or later versions of the Taxonomy Tools module. The remediation process involves applying the official security patches provided by the Drupal security team, which include enhanced input validation and output escaping mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their Drupal installations to identify any other potentially vulnerable modules or custom code that might exhibit similar XSS vulnerabilities. Implementing proper content security policies and input sanitization procedures can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace the core patching strategy. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security framework.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly wide given Drupal's widespread adoption across government, enterprise, and organizational websites. The fact that it affects both node and taxonomy term titles means that attackers can potentially compromise any content management interface that utilizes these features. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious input patterns in administrative interfaces, as these can serve as early warning systems for exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules or custom code implementations that might not have received the same level of security scrutiny as core Drupal components.