CVE-2015-4359 in Registration Codes Module
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Registration codes module before 6.x-1.6, 6.x-2.x before 6.x-2.8, and 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.2 for Drupal allow remote authenticated users with permission to create or edit taxonomy terms or nodes to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4359 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness within Drupal's Registration codes module, affecting multiple version branches including 6.x before 1.6, 6.x-2.x before 2.8, and 7.x-1.x before 1.2. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-79, which categorizes it as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically manifesting as cross-site scripting attacks. The security flaw enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions, potentially compromising the integrity of Drupal-based web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the Registration codes module. Attackers with legitimate permissions to create or edit taxonomy terms or nodes can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious payloads through the module's interface. These payloads are then executed when other users view the affected content, creating a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be triggered through various input points within the module's functionality, making it particularly challenging to defend against through simple input filtering approaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4359 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and control through web shell injection. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows attackers to establish persistent access to affected Drupal installations, potentially enabling them to modify content, steal user credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites. The authentication requirement for exploitation means that attackers must first gain legitimate access to the system, but once achieved, the impact can be severe as the vulnerability affects core content management functions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to the Registration codes module, specifically upgrading to versions 6.x-1.6, 6.x-2.8, or 7.x-1.2 and later. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input validation implementation, output encoding for all user-supplied content, and regular security auditing of contributed modules. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security principles, particularly addressing the critical need for secure coding practices in web application development to prevent such persistent threats from compromising user sessions and data integrity.