CVE-2015-4389 in Open Graph Importer
Summary
by MITRE
The Open Graph Importer (og_tag_importer) 7.x-1.x for Drupal does not properly check the create permission for content types created during import, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended restrictions by leveraging the "import og_tag_importer" permission.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4389 affects the Open Graph Importer module version 7.x-1.x within the Drupal content management system. This security flaw represents a critical permission bypass issue that undermines the intended access controls for content creation within Drupal sites. The vulnerability specifically targets the module's handling of content type permissions during the import process, creating a pathway for authenticated users to circumvent security restrictions that should prevent unauthorized content creation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions during the import operation. When users with the "import og_tag_importer" permission attempt to import content, the module fails to verify whether the importing user possesses the necessary create permissions for the specific content types being imported. This oversight creates a direct bypass mechanism where users can leverage their import privileges to create content types they would normally be restricted from creating. The flaw operates at the authorization layer, where the system assumes that users with import permissions inherently have the right to create all content types involved in the import process, regardless of their actual permissions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to content creation capabilities that should remain restricted to privileged users. The implications extend beyond simple content creation, as it allows malicious actors to potentially inject malicious content, manipulate site data, or create content that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability affects any Drupal site running the affected module version and operating under the assumption that proper content type permissions are enforced. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Drupal's permission system to maintain content integrity and security boundaries.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses insufficient authorization checks in software systems. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts with compromised credentials, as the vulnerability allows attackers to use legitimate import permissions to gain unauthorized capabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Open Graph Importer module, reviewing and restricting the "import og_tag_importer" permission to only trusted users, and implementing additional monitoring for import activities. The remediation process should include thorough permission reviews and ensuring that all users with import capabilities have appropriate authorization levels for the content types they can create during import operations.
Security teams should also consider implementing network-level controls and logging mechanisms to detect unusual import patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of Drupal modules and their permission configurations remain essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from affecting organizational infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper permission validation during complex operations that involve multiple system components and access levels.