CVE-2011-4306: Moodle XSS Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2011-4306: Moodle XSS Vulnerability. Affects moodle/moodle versions < 1.9.14. Fixed in 1.9.14. How to fix ↓
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Background
Moodle is an open-source learning management system (LMS) used for creating and delivering online courses. It provides a platform for educators to create interactive learning environments and engage with students. Moodle is widely adopted in educational institutions and organizations worldwide. However, versions of Moodle 1.9.x prior to 1.9.14 are susceptible to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the course/editsection.html component. This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into the affected Moodle instance.
Vulnerability Detail
The XSS vulnerability in Moodle 1.9.x before 1.9.14 arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization in the course/editsection.html module. Attackers with authenticated access to the Moodle instance can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious data and injecting it into the affected page. When unsuspecting users view the compromised page, the injected scripts or HTML code will execute within their browsers, potentially leading to various security risks. These risks include session hijacking, data theft, defacement, and the execution of arbitrary code.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.9.14
This is the first release that contains the fix.
composer require moodle/moodle:1.9.14Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading to the latest version is not immediately feasible, administrators can apply a temporary workaround to mitigate the risk. One possible workaround is to disable the course/editsection.html module or restrict access to it for authenticated users. This can be achieved by modifying the Moodle configuration or permissions settings. However, it is important to note that workarounds may have limitations and should only be considered as temporary measures until the upgrade can be performed.
Conclusion
The XSS vulnerability in Moodle 1.9.x before 1.9.14 poses a moderate security risk to affected instances. It is crucial for administrators to upgrade to the latest version or apply the recommended workarounds to mitigate the vulnerability. Regularly monitoring for security updates and following best practices for secure software deployment are essential to maintain the integrity and security of Moodle installations. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Moodle is an open-source learning management system (LMS) used for creating and delivering online courses. It provides a platform for educators to create interactive learning environments and engage with students.
The XSS vulnerability in Moodle allows remote authenticated users to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into the affected instance. This can lead to various security risks, including session hijacking, data theft, defacement, and the execution of arbitrary code.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the Moodle installation to version 1.9.14 or later. This version includes the necessary patches and improvements to address the XSS vulnerability in course/editsection.html.
If upgrading to the latest version is not immediately feasible, administrators can apply a temporary workaround by disabling the course/editsection.html module or restricting access to it for authenticated users.
For more information about this vulnerability, you can refer to the official Moodle documentation, security advisories, or consult with your organization's IT security team.
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