CVE-2007-6538 in mrbs
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in ing/blocks/mrbs/code/web/view_entry.php in the MRBS plugin for Moodle allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2025
The CVE-2007-6538 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the MRBS plugin for Moodle learning management system. This vulnerability exists in the view_entry.php script located at ing/blocks/mrbs/code/web/view_entry.php, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. The specific weakness occurs when processing the id parameter, which is directly used in database queries without adequate input validation or parameterization mechanisms.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a severe security weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database by injecting malicious SQL code through the id parameter. When an attacker crafts a specially formatted id value, the application processes this input directly within SQL commands, allowing unauthorized execution of database operations. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices and lacks proper database query parameterization, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation by remote threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the affected database server. This could result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. Attackers might leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges within the Moodle environment, potentially gaining access to user credentials, course materials, or administrative functions. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6538 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Moodle plugin to ensure proper input sanitization and parameterized query execution. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that reject or escape special characters commonly used in SQL injection attacks. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be enforced throughout the application to prevent direct concatenation of user input into SQL commands. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and database access controls should be deployed to monitor and restrict unauthorized database access attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all input parameters are properly sanitized before database processing. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing database interactions within web applications.