Source: cve@mitre.org
The Organic Groups (OG) Vocabulary module 6.x before 6.x-1.0 for Drupal allows remote authenticated group members to bypass intended access restrictions, and create, modify, or read a vocabulary, via unspecified vectors.
Authenticated group members in Drupal installations using the Organic Groups (OG) Vocabulary module are vulnerable to a critical access control bypass. This allows attackers to create, modify, or read vocabularies, potentially leading to privilege escalation and complete site compromise by manipulating content categorization and access controls.
Step 1: Authentication: The attacker authenticates as a legitimate member of an Organic Group within the Drupal site.
Step 2: Vulnerability Identification: The attacker identifies the presence and version of the Organic Groups (OG) Vocabulary module (6.x before 6.x-1.0).
Step 3: Access Control Bypass: The attacker crafts a request to the Drupal site, leveraging the vulnerability in the OG Vocabulary module to bypass access restrictions.
Step 4: Vocabulary Manipulation: The attacker uses the bypassed access controls to create, modify, or read vocabularies. This could involve creating new vocabularies, modifying existing ones, or retrieving sensitive information about the site's content categorization.
Step 5: Privilege Escalation (Potential): By manipulating vocabularies, the attacker can potentially influence content access, leading to privilege escalation and further compromise of the Drupal site.
The vulnerability stems from a flaw in the Organic Groups (OG) Vocabulary module's access control mechanisms. Specifically, the module fails to properly validate the permissions of authenticated group members when they interact with vocabularies. This allows attackers to bypass the intended access restrictions, enabling them to perform actions they are not authorized to do. The root cause is likely an insufficient check or a missing check within the module's code that governs vocabulary creation, modification, and retrieval, allowing group members to manipulate these elements without proper authorization. This could be due to a missing user_access() call or an improperly implemented permission check within the vocabulary management functions.
While no specific APTs are directly linked to this CVE, the nature of the vulnerability makes it attractive to various threat actors. This type of vulnerability is often exploited by attackers seeking to gain initial access or escalate privileges. Not listed on CISA KEV due to its age and the availability of patches, but still poses a significant risk if unpatched.
Review Drupal access logs for suspicious activity related to vocabulary management, such as unexpected vocabulary creation, modification, or deletion by authenticated users.
Monitor file system changes within the Drupal installation, specifically changes to module files related to the Organic Groups (OG) Vocabulary module.
Analyze web server logs for unusual HTTP requests targeting vocabulary management endpoints, especially those originating from authenticated users.
Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) rules to identify malicious requests targeting the OG Vocabulary module.
Use a web application firewall (WAF) to filter out suspicious requests.
Upgrade the Organic Groups (OG) Vocabulary module to version 6.x-1.0 or later.
Apply all available Drupal core and module security updates.
Regularly scan the Drupal installation for outdated modules and vulnerabilities.
Implement strong password policies and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts.
Review and restrict user permissions to the minimum necessary for their roles.
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic.