CVE-2004-2232 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in sql.php in the Glossary module in Moodle 1.4.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to modify SQL statements.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2232 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Glossary module of Moodle version 1.4.1 and earlier systems. This security weakness resides in the sql.php file which processes user input without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability specifically affects the glossary functionality where users can search and browse terms, making it a significant concern for educational institutions relying on Moodle for their learning management systems.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling within the Glossary module's sql.php script. When users interact with the glossary search functionality, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into sql queries. This allows attackers to inject malicious sql code that can alter the intended behavior of database operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where the application is accessible over the internet.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized data manipulation including data retrieval, modification, deletion, and potentially complete database compromise. An attacker could extract sensitive information such as user credentials, course materials, and personal data stored within the Moodle database. The implications extend beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, service disruption, and violation of privacy regulations. Organizations using affected Moodle versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to educational content and user information, which could result in reputational damage and regulatory penalties.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or validation. This weakness falls under the broader ATT&CK framework category of T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers may first identify vulnerable systems before exploiting this sql injection capability. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Moodle versions 1.5 and later which contain proper input validation fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, using parameterized queries, and conducting regular security assessments can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation practices across all web applications to prevent sql injection attacks that remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous security threats in web environments.