Supply Chain Attack Simulation on Drupal: RCE via Malicious Update Server (PoC, not a CVE)

Overview

This repository serves as a comprehensive demonstration of a simulated supply chain attack targeting the update mechanism of Drupal, specifically tested on versions 9.5.10, 10.1.0, 11.0.8, and 11.1.3. The simulation showcases the following components:

• Extraction of critical update endpoints from the Drupal database.
• Setup of a rogue update server utilizing Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) tactics along with a forged SSL certificate.
• Delivery of a crafted release-history.xml to manipulate the update process.
• Deployment of a trojanized update package that leads to Remote Code Execution (RCE) and ensures persistence through cron jobs.

All processes, configurations, and associated scripts are outlined in meticulous detail within the PoC PDF. Some scripts may not be publicly available but can be shared upon request.

Attack Scenario

The outlined attack scenario operates through the following phases:

1. Reconnaissance: Extracts Drupal’s update endpoints from the database using a custom script.
2. MITM Setup: Deploys an Apache server masquerading as updates.drupal.org using a forged SSL certificate.
3. Fake Update Delivery: Responds to update requests with a manipulated XML file and malicious tarball.
4. Admin Interaction: Admins are misled into downloading and installing the fake update, executing the payload.
5. RCE & Persistence: The malicious payload establishes a shell and sets up a cron job for ongoing persistence.

Note: The execution of this exploit hinges upon both network or DNS control (MITM) and admin interaction. This serves as a simulation of a supply chain attack rather than a direct Drupal core vulnerability.

Files Included

• PoC PDF: Comprehensive step-by-step technical guide, inclusive of screenshots, logs, and configurations.
• Example Configurations: Contains snippets for Apache vhost settings, SSL configurations, and crafted XML examples (all detailed in the PDF).
• Scripts & Payloads: Generally kept private but may be released to trusted parties upon verification and request.

Learning Outcomes

This project provides insights into:

• The underlying mechanics and trust model of Drupal’s update functionality.
• Methods through which supply chain attacks can infiltrate CMS update procedures.
• Techniques for simulating intricate red team scenarios in a controlled lab environment.

Additional Resources

• PoC_detailed.pdf for exhaustive technical steps and an illustrative attack walkthrough.
• FAQ: Common questions about this PoC
• Hardening: Strategies for securing your update pipeline
• Detection: Recommendations for blue team monitoring

Legal & Ethical Considerations

This simulation does not exploit any vulnerabilities within the Drupal core. Testing was conducted solely in a controlled lab setting using non-production data. Users are advised not to employ these methodologies against any system they do not own or without explicit permission. This research is intended for educational, awareness, and defensive purposes only.