CVE-2017-6931 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Drupal Core versions prior to 8.4.5 are vulnerable to an access bypass issue in the Settings Tray module, allowing unauthorized users to modify specific data without proper permissions. It is crucial to implement appropriate access controls to mitigate this security flaw.

Understanding CVE-2017-6931

The CVE-2017-6931 vulnerability in Drupal Core exposes a security weakness in the Settings Tray module, potentially enabling unauthorized data modifications.

What is CVE-2017-6931?

The Settings Tray module in Drupal versions before 8.4.5 allows users to alter data without the necessary permissions.
Proper access checks must be enforced when using a Settings Tray form in custom or contributed modules.
Disabling the Settings Tray module is recommended to reduce the risk of exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6931

Unauthorized users can manipulate specific data without proper permissions, posing a risk to data integrity and security.
The vulnerability affects Drupal Core versions prior to 8.4.5, potentially exposing websites to unauthorized modifications.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6931

Drupal Core's vulnerability in the Settings Tray module has specific technical implications that users should be aware of.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows users to bypass access controls and modify data they are not authorized to change.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Drupal Core
Vendor: Drupal.org
Vulnerable Versions: 8.4.x versions before 8.4.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit the vulnerability in the Settings Tray module to manipulate data without proper permissions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-6931 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Drupal Core to version 8.4.5 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Implement proper access controls and permissions to restrict unauthorized data modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit access controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Educate users on secure data handling practices to minimize risks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.