CVE-2015-7227 in Fieldable Panels Panes Module
Summary
by MITRE
The Fieldable Panels Panes module 7.x-1.x before 7.x-1.7 for Drupal does not properly check permissions to edit Fieldable Panels Panes entities, which allows remote authenticated users to edit panes by leveraging permissions to edit panels.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2017
The Fieldable Panels Panes module for Drupal represents a critical access control vulnerability that emerged in versions prior to 7.x-1.7 within the 7.x-1.x release line. This vulnerability specifically targets the module's permission checking mechanisms, creating a scenario where authenticated users can escalate their privileges beyond what was intended. The flaw exists within the module's implementation of access control logic, where it fails to properly validate whether users possess the necessary permissions to modify Fieldable Panels Panes entities directly. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the authorization layer, allowing attackers to exploit existing panel editing permissions to gain unauthorized access to pane modification capabilities.
The technical execution of this vulnerability relies on the module's improper handling of permission checks when processing requests to edit Fieldable Panels Panes entities. When a user with panel editing privileges attempts to access pane modification functions, the module fails to validate that the user actually possesses the specific permissions required to edit the underlying pane entities. This creates a privilege escalation pathway where users can manipulate pane content through the panel editing interface, bypassing the intended access controls for pane-specific modifications. The flaw essentially allows the module to trust the panel editing context as sufficient authorization for pane modifications, without performing proper validation against the pane entity's specific permission requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to modify content, inject malicious code, or manipulate the presentation layer of Drupal sites that utilize Fieldable Panels Panes. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to alter the appearance and functionality of web pages, potentially leading to data exposure, service disruption, or the creation of misleading content. The vulnerability affects sites where the Fieldable Panels Panes module is installed and configured, particularly those that rely on panel-based content management and have multiple user roles with varying permission levels. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or shared hosting scenarios.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to Fieldable Panels Panes version 7.x-1.7 or later, which includes proper permission checking mechanisms. Administrators should also implement comprehensive access control policies, regularly audit user permissions, and monitor for unauthorized modifications to panel configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and represents a classic example of privilege escalation through insufficient authorization checks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious panel editing activities, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Drupal modules. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper permission validation even within trusted application contexts, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1496 for resource hijacking through unauthorized modifications. The flaw underscores the necessity for robust authorization mechanisms that validate access at each level of application functionality rather than relying on context-based assumptions for permission granting.