CVE-2014-7838: Moodle Forum Module Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Vulnerabilities
Summary
CVE-2014-7838: Moodle has multiple cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities in the Forum module. Affects moodle/moodle across 3 version ranges.
< 2.5.9
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.6
>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.3
Fixed in 2.5.9, 2.6.6 or 2.7.3, depending on the release line you run. 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. The Forum module in Moodle allows users to participate in discussions, share resources, and collaborate with others. This module is an integral part of the Moodle ecosystem and is widely used by educational institutions and organizations.
Vulnerability Detail
Multiple cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities have been discovered in the Forum module of Moodle. These vulnerabilities exist in versions prior to 2.4.11, 2.5.x before 2.5.9, 2.6.x before 2.6.6, and 2.7.x before 2.7.3. An attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities to hijack the authentication of arbitrary users and perform actions on their behalf. The vulnerabilities are present in various files, including deprecatedlib.php, forum.js, index.php, and lib.php. By tricking a user into visiting a malicious website or clicking on a specially crafted link, an attacker can execute unauthorized actions within the Forum module.
How To Fix
Fixed versions by release line
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 2.5.92.5.9composer require moodle/moodle:2.5.9 -
>= 2.6.0, < 2.6.62.6.6composer require moodle/moodle:2.6.6 -
>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.32.7.3composer require moodle/moodle:2.7.3
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround available for these vulnerabilities. It is crucial to apply the recommended patches or upgrade to the latest version of Moodle to mitigate the risk of CSRF attacks.
Conclusion
Multiple CSRF vulnerabilities have been identified in the Moodle Forum module, which can allow attackers to hijack user authentication and perform unauthorized actions. To mitigate these vulnerabilities, it is essential to upgrade Moodle to the latest patched version or apply the recommended patches. Upgrading will ensure the security of the Moodle installation and protect users from potential CSRF attacks. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is an attack that tricks a victim into performing unwanted actions on a web application in which they are authenticated. In the context of Moodle, CSRF vulnerabilities allow an attacker to hijack the authentication of users and perform actions on their behalf within the Forum module.
An attacker can exploit these vulnerabilities by tricking a user into visiting a malicious website or clicking on a specially crafted link. Once the user is authenticated in Moodle, the attacker can execute unauthorized actions within the Forum module.
The CSRF vulnerabilities in the Moodle Forum module can lead to various consequences, including unauthorized access to user accounts, posting malicious content, modifying forum settings, and potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the Moodle installation.
No, only versions prior to 2.4.11, 2.5.x before 2.5.9, 2.6.x before 2.6.6, and 2.7.x before 2.7.3 are affected by these CSRF vulnerabilities. It is recommended to upgrade to the latest patched version to ensure the security of the Moodle installation.
At the time of this advisory, there are no known public exploits specifically targeting these CSRF vulnerabilities in the Moodle Forum module. However, it is crucial to apply the recommended patches or upgrade to the latest version to mitigate the risk of potential attacks.
References
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