Drupal Core Insufficient Contextual Links validation leads to Remote Code Execution

drupal/drupal Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

15/05/2024
CRITICAL
Yes i
Critical
Not published

GHSA-jjx7-8462-w4m4: Drupal Core Insufficient Contextual Links validation leads to Remote Code Execution. Affects drupal/drupal across 2 version ranges.

>= 8.0.0, < 8.5.8 >= 8.6.0, < 8.6.2

Fixed in 8.5.8 or 8.6.2, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Devnack Mobile apps built by Devnack Design, build and launch iOS and Android apps with a senior product team. From idea to store release Start a project

Background

Drupal is a popular open-source content management system (CMS) written in PHP. It provides a flexible platform for building websites and applications. The Contextual Links module is a part of Drupal Core and allows users to easily edit and manage content by providing contextual links. These links appear when hovering over specific elements on a webpage. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the module's validation process, which could potentially lead to remote code execution.

Vulnerability Detail

The Contextual Links module in Drupal Core does not adequately validate requested contextual links. This means that an attacker with a role that has the 'access contextual links' permission could exploit this vulnerability. By crafting a malicious request, an attacker could execute arbitrary code on the affected Drupal site. The impact of this vulnerability is critical as it allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access and potentially take control of the entire website.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • >= 8.0.0, < 8.5.8 8.5.8
    composer require drupal/drupal:8.5.8
  • >= 8.6.0, < 8.6.2 8.6.2
    composer require drupal/drupal:8.6.2

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update Drupal Core to the patched version as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The Drupal Core Insufficient Contextual Links validation vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites and applications using affected versions of Drupal Core. It is crucial to update to the patched versions mentioned above to mitigate the vulnerability and ensure the security of the system. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for drupal/drupal →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

Drupal Core is the foundational software of the Drupal CMS. It provides essential features and functionality for building websites and applications.

The Contextual Links module is a part of Drupal Core that allows users to easily edit and manage content by providing contextual links.

Remote code execution refers to the ability of an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a target system or application remotely, without having physical access to the system.

An attacker must have a role with the 'access contextual links' permission to exploit this vulnerability.

The impact of this vulnerability is critical as it allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected Drupal site, potentially gaining unauthorized access and control.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for drupal/drupal.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

  • >= 8.0.0, < 8.5.8 8.5.8
    composer require drupal/drupal:8.5.8
  • >= 8.6.0, < 8.6.2 8.6.2
    composer require drupal/drupal:8.6.2

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback