CVE-2000-0627 in CourseInfo
Summary
by MITRE
BlackBoard CourseInfo 4.0 does not properly authenticate users, which allows local users to modify CourseInfo database information and gain privileges by directly calling the supporting CGI programs such as user_update_passwd.pl and user_update_admin.pl.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0627 represents a critical authentication flaw within BlackBoard CourseInfo 4.0, a learning management system widely used in educational institutions during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This issue stems from insufficient access controls and improper user verification mechanisms that allow unauthorized local users to bypass the system's security measures. The vulnerability specifically targets the system's handling of user authentication and authorization processes, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and data manipulation that could compromise entire academic database environments.
The technical flaw manifests through the system's failure to properly validate user credentials when executing critical administrative CGI programs. Attackers with local access can directly invoke scripts such as user_update_passwd.pl and user_update_admin.pl without proper authentication checks, enabling them to modify user passwords and administrative privileges within the CourseInfo database. This direct script execution capability bypasses the normal authentication flow and creates a backdoor for unauthorized system access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287, which deals with improper authentication mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1548 for abuse of privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows local users to assume administrative roles and modify critical database information. This could result in the complete compromise of academic records, unauthorized course modifications, and the ability to grant administrative privileges to malicious users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit - only local system access is needed to execute the vulnerable CGI scripts directly. Organizations using BlackBoard CourseInfo 4.0 would face significant security risks, including potential data breaches, academic fraud, and disruption of educational services. The attack vector is straightforward and reliable, making it an attractive target for malicious actors with local system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access controls and input validation measures. System administrators should ensure that all CGI programs require proper authentication before execution and implement proper privilege separation between user-level and administrative functions. The recommended approach includes restricting direct script execution permissions, implementing proper authentication checks for all administrative functions, and ensuring that only authorized users can access the supporting CGI programs. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify and remediate similar authentication flaws in other system components. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper authentication implementation and demonstrates how insufficient access controls can create severe security risks in educational technology environments. The issue also underscores the need for regular security assessments and timely patch management to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in legacy systems.