CVE-2016-3187 in Prepopulate Module
Summary
by MITRE
The Prepopulate module 7.x-2.x before 7.x-2.1 for Drupal allows remote attackers to modify the REQUEST superglobal array, and consequently have unspecified impact, via a base64-encoded pp parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3187 affects the Prepopulate module version 7.x-2.x prior to 7.x-2.1 in the Drupal content management system. This security flaw resides within the module's handling of user input through the REQUEST superglobal array, creating a potential vector for remote code execution and data manipulation attacks. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the module processes a base64-encoded pp parameter, which allows attackers to manipulate server-side variables that should remain protected from external influence.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Prepopulate module's code implementation. When a base64-encoded pp parameter is submitted to the system, the module fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before incorporating it into the REQUEST superglobal array. This oversight creates a path where malicious actors can inject arbitrary data that gets processed as part of the server's request handling mechanism. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20, which represents "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic case of insecure data handling that can lead to various downstream security issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3187 extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected Drupal server. The ability to modify the REQUEST superglobal array means that attackers can influence how the application processes user input, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. Depending on the server configuration and available modules, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, modify content, or even establish persistent backdoors within the Drupal environment. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description reflects the broad range of potential consequences that could arise from this manipulation of core server variables.
Security professionals should immediately update the Prepopulate module to version 7.x-2.1 or later to address this vulnerability, as the patch includes proper input sanitization and validation measures. Organizations running affected Drupal installations should also implement network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and conduct thorough security audits of their web applications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, as the exploitation could potentially lead to code execution within the server environment. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and proper input validation, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles, particularly focusing on preventing injection flaws that can compromise application integrity and user data confidentiality.