CVE-2026-114524 in Custom Formatters Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2026
Privilege Defined With Unsafe Actions vulnerability in Drupal Custom Formatters allows Privilege Escalation. This issue affects Custom Formatters versions: from 0.0.0 to 4.2.1.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as a privilege escalation flaw within the Drupal module Custom Formatters, specifically affecting versions ranging from 0.0.0 up to and including version 4.2.1, represents a critical security deficiency in how access control permissions are defined and enforced during form rendering operations. This issue stems from an improper implementation of authorization checks where the system fails to adequately validate whether the current user possesses the necessary privileges before allowing specific actions or data manipulations within custom formatter contexts. In Drupal's architecture, formatters are responsible for presenting field values in various ways on nodes and other entities, often involving complex rendering logic that interacts with the broader permission framework of the content management system. When these interactions lack rigorous validation against the user’s role-based access control list, it creates an avenue for unauthorized users to execute actions intended only for higher-privileged accounts such as administrators or editors.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-269, which describes Improper Privilege Management, and more specifically relates to scenarios where the application does not enforce sufficient checks on user roles before performing sensitive operations. The root cause lies in the module’s handling of form submission handlers or rendering callbacks that bypass standard Drupal permission hooks like hook_node_access or field-level access controls. By allowing users with lower privileges to trigger code paths designed for administrative functions, the vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate site configuration, alter content visibility settings, or potentially execute further exploits depending on what capabilities are exposed through these improperly secured formatter actions. This type of flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates within a trusted module context, making it less likely to be flagged by basic security scanners that focus solely on external input validation rather than internal authorization logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with low-level access privileges to escalate their rights and perform administrative tasks without proper authorization. This could lead to unauthorized modification of site settings, exposure of sensitive data through altered display configurations, or the insertion of malicious content that bypasses standard editorial workflows. In environments where multiple user roles exist, such as those involving contributors, authors, and administrators, this flaw undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing lower-tier users to assume higher-level responsibilities. Consequently, organizations relying on Drupal for critical web applications face significant risks including data integrity compromise, regulatory non-compliance due to unauthorized access logs being manipulated or bypassed, and potential lateral movement within internal networks if the compromised account is used as a foothold for further attacks.
To mitigate this risk, immediate action should be taken by upgrading the Custom Formatters module to version 4.2.2 or later where these privilege checks have been corrected. Administrators must ensure that all instances of Drupal running affected versions are patched promptly and verify that no custom code overrides the newly enforced permission boundaries. Additionally, implementing strict role-based access controls within Drupal’s configuration interface can help limit exposure while patches are applied. Security teams should also audit recent activity logs for any signs of unauthorized privilege escalation attempts or unusual changes to formatter settings initiated by low-privilege accounts. Aligning with MITRE ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1078 Valid Accounts and specifically the sub-technique related to Default Accounts if applicable, organizations can better monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation. Regular security assessments focusing on authorization logic in third-party modules are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced or exploited in future updates.