Source: cve@mitre.org
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Insert Node module 5.x before 5.x-1.2 for Drupal allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an inserted node.
Drupal websites using the Insert Node module are vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This allows attackers to inject malicious code into the website, potentially leading to account compromise, data theft, or website defacement.
Step 1: Craft Malicious Payload: The attacker crafts a malicious JavaScript or HTML payload designed to execute within the context of the vulnerable Drupal website. This payload could be designed to steal cookies, redirect users, or deface the site.
Step 2: Insert Node: The attacker leverages the Insert Node module to insert a new node containing the crafted payload. This is achieved by exploiting the module's functionality to add content to the website.
Step 3: Payload Storage: The malicious payload is stored within the Drupal database as part of the newly inserted node's content.
Step 4: User Interaction: A legitimate user visits a page on the Drupal website that displays the content of the inserted node. This could be a blog post, a comment, or any other content managed by the Insert Node module.
Step 5: Payload Execution: The user's web browser renders the content of the node, including the attacker's malicious payload. Because the payload was not properly sanitized, the browser executes the injected JavaScript or HTML code within the user's browser, in the context of the Drupal website.
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the Insert Node module. Specifically, the module fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data when inserting a node. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript or HTML code into the node's content, which is then rendered by the website. The lack of proper input validation allows the attacker to craft a payload that bypasses security checks. The absence of output encoding (e.g., HTML entity encoding) prevents the browser from interpreting the injected code as data, leading to its execution. The root cause is a failure to implement secure coding practices, specifically related to handling user-provided data within the module's core functionality.
This vulnerability could be exploited by a wide range of actors, from opportunistic attackers to more sophisticated groups. While no specific APTs are directly linked to this specific CVE, the nature of XSS makes it a common attack vector. CISA KEV status: Not Listed (due to age and specific module).
Review web server logs for suspicious HTTP requests containing JavaScript or HTML tags in the POST or GET parameters, especially those related to the Insert Node module.
Monitor network traffic for unusual JavaScript execution or redirection attempts originating from the Drupal website.
Use a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block XSS payloads.
Implement content security policies (CSPs) to restrict the execution of JavaScript from untrusted sources.
Examine the Drupal database for any unexpected HTML or JavaScript code within node content, particularly within the content fields managed by the Insert Node module.
Use a vulnerability scanner to identify the presence of the Insert Node module and its version.
Upgrade the Insert Node module to version 5.x-1.2 or later.
Implement robust input validation to sanitize all user-supplied data before storing it in the database.
Implement output encoding (e.g., HTML entity encoding) to prevent the browser from interpreting injected code as executable code.
Apply the latest security patches for Drupal core and all installed modules.
Regularly scan the website for vulnerabilities using a web application vulnerability scanner.
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic.
Enable Content Security Policy (CSP) to restrict the execution of JavaScript to trusted sources.