CVE-2018-9205

What it actually does

Unauthenticated path traversal in avatar_uploader view.php allows reading arbitrary files by supplying unsanitized paths without user verification.

Why it matters to the business

Attackers can obtain configuration files, source code, or credentials stored on the server, leading to further compromise or data exposure in Drupal sites using this module.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker locates the publicly reachable view.php endpoint in the avatar_uploader module and supplies directory traversal sequences in the file parameter to retrieve sensitive files outside the intended directory.

How to fix it

Remove or disable the vulnerable avatar_uploader module; if the functionality is required, replace it with a maintained alternative or apply a custom patch that adds authentication and path sanitization.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the module directory is absent or that view.php returns 404/403 for all unauthenticated requests; scan source for any remaining unsanitized file parameter handling.

Typical attack path

1. Discover the avatar_uploader view.php endpoint via directory listing or error messages
2. Craft requests containing ../ sequences in the file parameter to traverse to sensitive paths
3. Read configuration files or credential stores to obtain database or administrative secrets
4. Use obtained information to pivot to other vulnerabilities or gain shell access

How to detect it

Search web server access logs for GET requests to avatar_uploader/view.php containing sequences such as ..%2f or ../; inspect for repeated attempts targeting common sensitive paths like /etc/passwd or settings.php.

• GET /sites/all/modules/avatar_uploader/view.php?file=
• ../
• ..%2f
• avatar_uploader/view.php

What your security team should do

• Immediately audit all Drupal sites for presence of the avatar_uploader module
• Block or remove the module from production environments
• Review web server access logs for historical requests to view.php containing traversal patterns
• Harden file permissions and move sensitive configuration outside the web root