CVE-2018-7602 in Drupal
Summary
by MITRE
A remote code execution vulnerability exists within multiple subsystems of Drupal 7.x and 8.x. This potentially allows attackers to exploit multiple attack vectors on a Drupal site, which could result in the site being compromised. This vulnerability is related to Drupal core - Highly critical - Remote Code Execution - SA-CORE-2018-002. Both SA-CORE-2018-002 and this vulnerability are being exploited in the wild.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7602 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Drupal 7.x and 8.x content management systems. This vulnerability stems from a flaw in Drupal core that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication. The issue manifests through multiple attack vectors within the Drupal subsystems, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various entry points. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as highly critical due to its potential for complete system compromise and the fact that it has been actively exploited in the wild, indicating real-world threat actors are leveraging this weakness.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in Drupal's form API and the way the system processes user input through the menu system. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal input validation mechanisms and execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. The vulnerability specifically affects how Drupal handles certain parameters in the menu system, allowing attackers to inject and execute code through carefully crafted URLs or form submissions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," highlighting how attackers can leverage publicly accessible web applications to gain unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7602 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise including persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, and the ability to use compromised systems as launching points for further attacks within network infrastructure. Organizations running affected Drupal versions face immediate risk of their websites being taken over, with attackers potentially installing malware, modifying content, or using the compromised systems for botnet activities. The widespread nature of Drupal installations across various industries makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it can affect everything from small business websites to large enterprise platforms. The fact that this vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild means organizations must prioritize immediate remediation to prevent potential breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7602 require immediate action including applying the official security patches released by Drupal as part of SA-CORE-2018-002. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include restricting access to administrative functions, implementing proper input validation, and monitoring system logs for suspicious activity. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure all Drupal installations are updated to supported versions. The remediation process should also include reviewing and strengthening access controls, as well as establishing incident response procedures to quickly address any potential compromise attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be implemented to maintain ongoing protection against similar vulnerabilities in the Drupal platform.