CVE-2015-4351 in Spider Video Player Module
Summary
by MITRE
The Spider Video Player module for Drupal allows remote authenticated users with the "access Spider Video Player administration" permission to delete arbitrary files via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4351 resides within the Spider Video Player module for the Drupal content management system, representing a critical file deletion flaw that can be exploited by authenticated attackers. This vulnerability specifically affects versions of the Spider Video Player module prior to 7.x-1.2 and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous module functionality can be weaponized to cause significant damage to web applications. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper file handling mechanisms within the module's administrative interface, creating a path for malicious users to manipulate file operations through crafted URL parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker with the specific permission "access Spider Video Player administration" crafts a malicious URL that targets the module's file deletion functionality. This allows the attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially delete arbitrary files on the server where Drupal is hosted. The vulnerability operates through a path traversal or directory traversal mechanism where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being used in file system operations. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal, which is a well-documented vulnerability pattern that has been exploited in numerous web applications over the years. The attack vector demonstrates how privilege escalation can occur within a web application's administrative subsystem, where legitimate users with limited permissions can leverage module functionality to perform unauthorized actions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4351 extends beyond simple file deletion, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise and data loss. An attacker could target critical system files, configuration files, or even the Drupal core files themselves, potentially rendering the entire website inaccessible or allowing for further exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant hosting environments or shared hosting scenarios. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning from an attacker's perspective as it aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, where attackers can leverage legitimate administrative tools to execute malicious operations. The impact is amplified when considering that Drupal installations often contain sensitive data, user information, and business-critical content that could be compromised through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4351 focus primarily on immediate patching of the affected module to version 7.x-1.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement comprehensive access control measures, ensuring that administrative permissions are strictly limited to trusted users and following the principle of least privilege. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual file deletion patterns or unauthorized administrative access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, particularly for third-party modules that may not receive the same level of security scrutiny as core applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules can provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability may impact organizations' adherence to standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, as it represents a failure to maintain proper access controls and input validation. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the importance of regularly reviewing and updating all components within web application ecosystems.