CVE-2008-3327 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
Moodle 1.6.5, when display_errors is enabled, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to (1) blog/blogpage.php and (2) course/report/stats/report.php, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2018
This vulnerability exists in Moodle version 1.6.5 where the display_errors configuration setting is enabled, creating a sensitive information disclosure risk that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw specifically affects two file paths: blog/blogpage.php and course/report/stats/report.php, where error messages containing the installation path are returned to unauthorized users. When display_errors is enabled in PHP configurations, any runtime errors or exceptions generate detailed error messages that include file paths, line numbers, and sometimes even database connection details. In this case, the error handling mechanism in these particular Moodle scripts exposes the complete server path where Moodle is installed, providing attackers with critical system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability stems from improper error handling and insufficient input validation within these specific PHP scripts, allowing malicious actors to directly request these pages and receive detailed error output containing the installation path. This type of information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with knowledge of the server environment that could be used to craft more targeted attacks against the system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and specifically relates to CWE-200, "Information Exposure," where sensitive system information is disclosed to unauthorized users. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate their attacks by using the exposed installation paths to identify potential weaknesses in the system's directory structure, locate additional vulnerable components, or even determine the underlying operating system and web server configuration. The exposure of the installation path could also assist in bypassing certain security controls that rely on obfuscation or path-based access restrictions, making it easier for attackers to navigate the application's file structure. The attack vector is straightforward and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the web application. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling configuration in web applications, as the simple presence of display_errors in production environments can expose sensitive information that significantly weakens the overall security posture. The issue is particularly concerning in the context of the ATT&CK framework's Information Gathering phase, where adversaries seek to understand the target environment before launching more sophisticated attacks. Organizations should ensure that error messages are properly sanitized and that sensitive information is not exposed to end users, particularly in production environments where display_errors should be disabled. The recommended mitigation involves configuring PHP to disable display_errors in production environments and implementing proper error handling mechanisms that log errors internally without exposing them to users. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for unusual error message patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar issues in other parts of the application that might expose similar sensitive information. Proper configuration management and security hardening practices should be implemented to prevent such information disclosure vulnerabilities from occurring in the first place, as they represent a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture. The exposure of installation paths can also facilitate other attack vectors such as path traversal attempts or directory listing enumeration that attackers might use to gain further access to the system.