External risk intelligence

Drupal Core Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2018-7600

Drupal versions are affected by a remote code execution vulnerability impacting multiple subsystems. This could allow attackers to compromise entire websites and their data. The business risk is high due to potential unauthorized code execution.

5Halo Surface Signal

Drupal

7.57 and earlier8.0.0 to before 8.3.98.4.0 to before 8.4.68.5.0 to before 8.5.17.08.09.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2018-7600

Drupal is a widely used content management system (CMS) that is designed to be a public-facing web application. By its nature, the software is intended to serve content over the internet, making it a highly likely target for public-facing exploitation in standard web deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Certain versions of Drupal, a content management system, are vulnerable to remote attackers who can execute arbitrary code. This flaw impacts multiple subsystems within Drupal when default or common configurations are used. The potential business impact includes unauthorized code execution, leading to a complete compromise of affected Drupal websites and their associated data.

  • Vulnerable Drupal components
  • Flaw allows arbitrary code execution
  • Full website compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability in Drupal allows for remote code execution, potentially leading to a complete compromise of affected websites. The issue stems from a flaw in multiple subsystems of Drupal, which can be exploited when using default or common module configurations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized control over a Drupal site, impacting its data, systems, and overall business operations.

  • Exposure condition: Publicly accessible Drupal website.
  • Attacker starting point: Remote, unauthenticated access.
  • Trigger and result: Malicious request leads to arbitrary code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Drupal, a content management system, poses a significant risk due to its potential for widespread exploitation and severe impact. It allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely on affected systems, potentially leading to complete compromise of websites and associated data. The ease of exploitation and the critical nature of the vulnerability necessitate prompt attention.

  • Attackers with low skill levels.
  • No access or conditions required.
  • High business risk and urgency.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in Drupal Core presents a critical risk, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely. Organizations with affected Drupal instances should prioritize actions to mitigate this threat and protect their systems and data. The vulnerability affects multiple subsystems and can be exploited even with common module configurations.

  • Identify all Drupal assets and versions.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected systems.
  • Apply vendor patches and validate fixes.
  • Monitor for related malicious activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Drupal Core and its purpose?

Drupal Core is the fundamental software for Drupal, a widely-used open-source content management system. It provides the essential features and framework for building and managing websites, supporting capabilities such as content creation, user management, and site customization for a variety of web applications.

How does an attacker exploit the Drupal Core vulnerability (CVE-2018-7600)?

CVE-2018-7600 arises from an improper input validation weakness (CWE-20). This flaw in Drupal Core enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by submitting specially crafted requests, particularly when default or common module configurations are in use.

What is the scope and impact of the Drupal Core vulnerability?

This vulnerability affects multiple subsystems within Drupal when default or common module configurations are present. Successful exploitation can lead to the remote execution of arbitrary code, potentially resulting in a complete compromise of the affected Drupal websites and their data.

What is the relevance of the Drupal Core vulnerability?

Drupal is a popular public-facing web application, making this vulnerability highly likely to be targeted for exploitation. The Halo Surface Signal indicates a "Very likely" score due to Drupal's nature as a widely used CMS designed for internet accessibility.

What practical steps should be taken to address the Drupal Core vulnerability?

Organizations with vulnerable Drupal instances should identify all affected assets and versions, apply vendor patches promptly, and validate that fixes are successfully implemented. Isolating affected systems can reduce exposure until patches can be applied. Continuous monitoring for related malicious activity is also recommended.

References