CVE-2006-4935 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
The Database module in Moodle before 1.6.2 does not properly handle uploaded files, which has unspecified impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4935 affects the Database module within Moodle learning management system versions prior to 1.6.2. This weakness resides in how the system processes file uploads through its database module functionality, creating potential security exposure points that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-434 which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type" and represents a critical flaw in the file handling mechanisms of the platform. The issue stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of file upload operations within the database module context, allowing attackers to potentially upload malicious files that could compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the Database module's failure to properly validate file types, sizes, and content during the upload process. This inadequate validation creates a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls that would typically prevent execution of malicious code or unauthorized file placement within the system. The vulnerability's remote attack vector indicates that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-based learning environments where multiple users interact with the platform. Attackers could potentially leverage this weakness to upload malicious scripts, executables, or other harmful file types that could execute within the context of the web server, leading to unauthorized access, data compromise, or system control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file upload functionality and represents a significant risk to the overall security posture of Moodle installations. Organizations using affected versions could face unauthorized code execution, data breaches, or complete system compromise depending on the attacker's objectives and the specific implementation details of their Moodle deployment. The unspecified nature of the impact in the original description suggests that the vulnerability could enable various attack vectors including but not limited to remote code execution, privilege escalation, or persistent backdoor establishment. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for educational institutions and organizations that rely heavily on Moodle for their learning management operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4935 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Moodle installations to version 1.6.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the file upload validation issues. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as restricting file upload capabilities within the Database module, implementing strict file type filtering, and establishing robust content validation mechanisms. The remediation approach aligns with defensive techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application tactic, emphasizing the importance of patch management and application security hardening. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload activities and establish comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to mitigate potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.