CVE-2015-5494 in Webform Matrix Component Module
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Webform Matrix Component module 7.x-4.x before 7.x-4.13 for Drupal allows remote authenticated users with certain permissions to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2017
The CVE-2015-5494 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Webform Matrix Component module for Drupal version 7.x-4.x, specifically affecting releases prior to 7.x-4.13. This vulnerability exposes web applications to malicious injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The flaw specifically targets authenticated users who possess certain permissions within the Drupal environment, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate user privileges to execute malicious code. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for Cross-site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and well-documented security weaknesses in web applications. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.008 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within user browsers.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the Webform Matrix Component module. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw exists in how the module processes user-supplied data when rendering matrix components, particularly in contexts where user input is directly incorporated into HTML output without proper encoding or sanitization measures. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user accounts. The vulnerability affects the module's handling of matrix field data where user inputs are not properly escaped before being rendered back to the browser, creating opportunities for attackers to inject HTML or JavaScript code that executes when other users view the affected pages.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5494 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the Drupal environment. When authenticated users with sufficient privileges are targeted, the vulnerability can enable privilege escalation attacks or facilitate the compromise of entire user sessions. The threat is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of legitimate module functionality, making detection more difficult for security monitoring systems. Attackers can craft malicious matrix entries that, when viewed by other users, execute scripts that can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of the compromised users. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of web applications running vulnerable versions of the Webform Matrix Component module.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5494 primarily focus on immediate patching of the affected module to version 7.x-4.13 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized modifications to webform matrix components, particularly those made by authenticated users. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting script execution within affected applications. Security teams should also review and restrict user permissions for webform management, ensuring that only trusted administrators have the ability to create or modify matrix components. According to industry best practices and NIST guidelines for web application security, regular security assessments and dependency updates are essential to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in preventing XSS attacks, reinforcing principles from the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE hierarchy that emphasize proper sanitization of user inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify and remediate similar issues across their Drupal installations.