CVE-2025-8996 is a security vulnerability classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) affecting the Drupal Layout Builder Advanced Permissions module versions prior to 2.2.0, specifically from version 0.0.0 up to but not including 2.2.0. This vulnerability allows an attacker with limited privileges (requires low privileges, PR:L) to perform forceful browsing attacks due to missing authorization checks within the module. Forceful browsing refers to the ability of an attacker to access unauthorized resources or functionality by manipulating URLs or requests without proper permission validation. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and can be exploited remotely over the network (AV:N) with low attack complexity (AC:L). The impact is limited to integrity (I:L) with no direct confidentiality or availability impact. Specifically, an attacker could modify or manipulate layout configurations or permissions beyond their authorized scope, potentially leading to unauthorized changes in the website's layout or content presentation. The vulnerability does not have known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no patches have been linked yet. Given the nature of the Drupal Layout Builder Advanced Permissions module, which controls granular permissions for layout building, this flaw could allow unauthorized users to escalate their control over site layout management, potentially undermining site integrity and user trust.

For European organizations using Drupal CMS with the Layout Builder Advanced Permissions module, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. Unauthorized modification of site layouts could lead to misinformation, defacement, or unauthorized content injection, which can damage brand reputation and user trust. While it does not directly compromise data confidentiality or availability, integrity violations can have cascading effects, especially for public-facing government, educational, or commercial websites that rely on Drupal for content management. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could manipulate site appearance or functionality, potentially facilitating further social engineering or phishing attacks. Organizations in sectors with strict regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR) must consider the reputational and compliance risks associated with unauthorized content changes. The medium CVSS score (4.3) reflects the limited scope but non-negligible impact of the vulnerability.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading the Drupal Layout Builder Advanced Permissions module to version 2.2.0 or later as soon as it becomes available to ensure proper authorization checks are enforced. Until a patch is released, administrators should restrict access to layout builder permissions strictly to trusted users and minimize the number of users with low-level privileges that could exploit this vulnerability. Implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block anomalous URL requests or forceful browsing attempts targeting layout builder endpoints can provide temporary protection. Regularly auditing user permissions and monitoring logs for unusual access patterns related to layout management functions will help detect attempted exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider isolating critical content management functions behind VPNs or internal networks where feasible to reduce exposure. Finally, maintaining an incident response plan that includes scenarios involving unauthorized content modification will improve readiness.