Drupal Security Vulnerabilities and How to Fix Them

A very common application used to develop the content of websites and applications is Drupal. It is also characterized to be adaptable, strong, and open-sourced, which implies that anybody can access and modify it. A large number of large websites as well as government sites, schools, media sites are all constructed with Drupal. However, just as any software, Drupal may fall into security problems.

So, in this blog we will take a look at some of the commonplace Drupal security vulnerabilities, why they are important, and how to check your site. Trust us, we will not complicate anything and make it hard to understand.

What are Common Drupal Vulnerabilities?

Drupal Security vulnerabilities include bugs or weaknesses in the software that may be exploited by attackers to harm a system or to gain control of it. Such weaknesses in Drupal may cause issues such as:

• Attacks by hackers on your site
• Leaks of the data (stolen personal information)
• Site destruction (altering the appearance of your website)

Read Next: Network VAPT Testing Instructions

How Hackers Make Drupal CSM Vulnerable?

1. SQL Injection

What is it: SQL injection occurs when a malicious user gains control over your site in order to execute hazardous database queries.

Example:

In case no proper security is given to a contact form or a search box, then a hacker may code into the search box of the site, knowing that he/she may walk in the data base of the site.

Impact:

This may enable hackers to siphon important information or even delete it.

Prevention Tips:

• The built-in database API of Drupal (it safely handles inputs).
• Ensure all the modules and core is up to date.
• Do not write custom queries unless you know how to protect them.

2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability

What it is:

XSS will enable the attackers to insert malicious scripts on your site. Such scripts are able to steal data or direct users to fraudulent sites.

Example:

A hacker posts a remark in your blog containing hidden code. The code executes in the browsers of the user when a person read the comment.

Impact:

It may give rise to hacked login credentials or a flawed user experience.

Prevention Tips:

• Make user input safe (clean and use).
• Utilize the system functions of the Drupal Script such as the functions check_plain() and filter_xss().
• Support text formats that filter un-safe HTML.

3. Remote Code Execution (RCE)

What it is:

RCE allows a malicious code to be executed on your server by the attacker.

Example:

Back in the day, there was a security threat nicknamed (that sounds a lot more charming) the Drupalgeddon, which gave hackers the opportunity to completely take control over websites with the ability to execute sticking points in distant servers.

Impact:

Your entire site may go out of control.

Prevention Tips:

• Always update contributed module and Drupal core.
• Follow security advisory at Drupal.org/security.

4. Access Bypass

What it is:

It occurs when an individual gets access to a component that they are not supposed to see or get access to, such as tasks of an administrator or confidential content.

Example:

A bug may allow an ordinary user to access pages that he or she should not have access to.

Impact:

Confidential data may get leakage or alteration.

Prevention Tips:

• Be careful with the use of modules such as “Permissions by Term” or “Content Access”.
• Do a site review using Security Review module.

5. Vulnerabilities through file uploads

What it is: This occurs when hackers post rogue files on your webpage.
Example: They may post a script that poses to be an image, which executes malicious code.
Impact: May enable total access to the server or malware.

Prevention Tips:

• Restrict the type of files that should be uploaded.
• Validate files using the features of Drupal.
• Assign proper files and folder permissions.

What to do to avoid being a victim?

Drupal is secure with a good community and frequent security patches, but it is your duty to ensure your site is safe.

The points are mentioned below-

• Keep up to date: Never skip the application of Drupal core and module updates.
• Install security modules: Use such power-up tools as Security Kit, Captcha and Paranoia to reinforce your site.
• Duplicate site: Take backups just in case something goes wrong.
• Restrict user access and provide only what is necessary.
• Track activity: Check suspicious behavior by using logs.

Conclusion

No site is completely secure, and yet by being aware of and guarding against popular Drupal security vulnerabilities, you can take the risk down considerably. Security and protection are not a one-time thing. Know what is going on, be on top of it, do little to maintain your Drupal site at its best and safest.
You do not have to be tech-friendly to discuss your unique needs with an expert of Drupal expert or choose handled hosting where security is part of the comprehensive service. A safe site does not only secure your information but also creates trust among your visitors.