CVE-2015-4347 in inLinks Integration Module
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the inLinks Integration module for Drupal allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified path arguments.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The CVE-2015-4347 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the inLinks Integration module for the Drupal content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of path arguments, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions. The flaw exists in the module's insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms, which fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote exploitability, meaning attackers can leverage it without requiring local system access or authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the inLinks Integration module's improper handling of URL path parameters. When the module processes incoming requests containing path arguments, it fails to adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This inadequate sanitization creates a persistent injection vector where malicious actors can craft specially formatted URLs containing script payloads that execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit the affected pages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')", which is a fundamental weakness in web application security.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes Drupal installations using the inLinks Integration module to significant security risks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers can exploit this flaw to steal user cookies, redirect victims to malicious websites, or inject malicious content that persists across user sessions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects legitimate web applications that rely on Drupal's content management capabilities, potentially compromising entire websites and their associated user data. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, compromised web pages, or direct URL manipulation, making it difficult to fully mitigate without proper input validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4347 should prioritize immediate module updates or patches from the Drupal security team, as the vulnerability affects the core functionality of the inLinks Integration module. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures at the application level, including the adoption of proper output encoding techniques for all user-supplied data before rendering in web contexts. The implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the application. Furthermore, network-based solutions such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious URL patterns that attempt to exploit XSS vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework tactic T1203, adversaries often leverage such vulnerabilities to establish persistent access, making proactive remediation essential for maintaining application integrity and user security. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other modules and custom code implementations.