CVE-2025-14840 in HTTP Client Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2026
Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions vulnerability in Drupal HTTP Client Manager allows Forceful Browsing.This issue affects HTTP Client Manager: from 0.0.0 before 9.3.13, from 10.0.0 before 10.0.2, from 11.0.0 before 11.0.1.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-14840 represents a critical weakness in Drupal's HTTP Client Manager component that stems from inadequate validation of exceptional conditions during HTTP request processing. This flaw falls under the CWE-252 category of "Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions," where the software fails to properly handle error states or unexpected input scenarios that could lead to security implications. The vulnerability specifically impacts the HTTP Client Manager module across multiple Drupal versions, creating a persistent risk for systems that rely on this component for external communications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform forceful browsing operations by manipulating HTTP request parameters in ways that bypass normal validation checks. When the HTTP Client Manager processes requests without proper exception handling, it fails to validate the legitimacy of requested resources or the integrity of the communication channel. This weakness allows malicious actors to craft requests that could potentially access unauthorized resources or bypass security controls that should normally be enforced during HTTP communication. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data access, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including data exfiltration, service disruption, or further escalation within the application environment.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for Drupal installations that utilize the HTTP Client Manager for external API calls, web service integrations, or any functionality requiring outbound HTTP communications. The affected versions span across major Drupal release lines, indicating a widespread exposure that could impact numerous organizations running different Drupal versions. The forceful browsing capability that emerges from this flaw means that attackers can potentially enumerate resources, access restricted endpoints, or manipulate the HTTP client behavior to achieve unauthorized access to system components or data that should remain protected. Security monitoring becomes particularly challenging as the malicious activity may appear as legitimate HTTP traffic, making detection more difficult.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches for Drupal HTTP Client Manager versions 9.3.13, 10.0.2, and 11.0.1, as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the improper exception handling. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as web application firewalls and access control lists can help limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other components that might be leveraging the vulnerable HTTP Client Manager functionality. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1566 for Phishing, as the exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access through manipulated HTTP communications. Regular security audits and adherence to secure coding practices, particularly around exception handling and input validation, are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.