CVE-2015-5489 in Smart Trim Module
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Smart Trim module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.5 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users with certain permissions to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving the field settings form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2017
The CVE-2015-5489 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Smart Trim module for Drupal version 7.x-1.x, specifically affecting releases prior to 7.x-1.5. This vulnerability resides in the module's handling of field settings forms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected web applications. The flaw particularly impacts environments where Drupal sites utilize the Smart Trim module for content trimming functionality, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining web properties with user-generated content management capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated user sessions with specific permissions, typically involving individuals who possess the ability to modify field settings within the Drupal administrative interface. Attackers can manipulate the field settings form to inject malicious scripts that will execute when other users view the affected content or interact with the module's functionality. This particular vector demonstrates how module-specific configurations can create attack surfaces that bypass standard input sanitization mechanisms, as the vulnerability specifically targets the processing of form data rather than direct user input handling. The flaw operates by failing to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data within the field settings context, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist and execute within the browser context of other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to potentially steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications with broad user bases. Organizations utilizing Drupal with the Smart Trim module face risks of data theft, privilege escalation, and potential full system compromise if attackers leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of module security auditing, as third-party modules often introduce complex attack surfaces that may not receive the same level of security scrutiny as core application components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5489 primarily focus on immediate patching of the Smart Trim module to version 7.x-1.5 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessments for all installed Drupal modules. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated module to ensure compatibility with existing site configurations and functionality. Security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as web application firewalls and input validation controls to reduce the attack surface, while adhering to security best practices outlined in standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and CWE categories related to cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for command and script injection, demonstrating how module-specific weaknesses can enable broader exploitation strategies within web application environments.