Drupal Web Installer Scanner

Drupal is a widely used open-source content management system (CMS) employed by individuals, businesses, and government organizations to build and manage websites and applications. It provides a robust platform for creating dynamic websites and is used for various purposes including e-commerce, social networking, and content publishing. Administrators appreciate its flexibility and scalability, making it a suitable choice for both small and large-scale websites. Developers use Drupal for its extensive module support, which allows for a wide range of features and custom solutions. Its user community actively supports and develops enhancements, ensuring continuous improvement and security updates. However, due to its complexity, improper configurations can lead to potential vulnerability exposures such as the installation page being accessible.

Installation Page Exposure refers to the visibility of the installation page after the content management system has already been set up. This vulnerability can occur if the installation process is not completed or secured properly. An exposed installation page can provide attackers with valuable information about the system environment, potentially leading to unauthorized access or manipulation. It may allow attackers to attempt a reinstallation, which could potentially overwrite existing files or configurations. This exposure is often a result of a misconfiguration or oversight during the deployment process. Continuous scanning and monitoring help in identifying such vulnerabilities for timely remediation to avoid exploitation.

Technically, this vulnerability becomes apparent when an attacker accesses URLs such as '/install.php?profile=default' or '/core/install.php' in a Drupal setup. When a website leaves these endpoints available, they inadvertently provide access to the installation interface. Attackers may use this exposure to exploit the CMS by initiating unauthorized actions. The presence of a page title like '<title>Choose language | Drupal</title>' indicates a successful detection of the installation page. Hence, it's crucial to ensure proper access controls and secure configurations to restrict such exposure to the public.

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to significant consequences including unauthorized administrative access, data breach, or even compromise of the entire web server. Malicious actors could manipulate or erase data, create backdoors, or gain control over the site’s functionalities. This could ultimately lead to loss of sensitive information, disrupted service operations, and damaged brand reputation. The ease of exploitation makes it a high-risk vulnerability that requires immediate attention upon detection to safeguard digital assets.