CVE-2009-3778 in Moodle Courselist
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Moodle Course List 6.x before 6.x-1.2, a module for Drupal, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2017
The CVE-2009-3778 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Moodle Course List module version 6.x prior to 6.x-1.2 for the Drupal content management platform. This vulnerability exists in the way the module processes user input when handling course list requests, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to inject malicious SQL commands into the database layer. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the module's query construction logic, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters that are not properly escaped or filtered before being executed against the underlying database system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate input fields or parameters that the Moodle Course List module uses to construct database queries. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple entry points within the module could be exploited, potentially including URL parameters, form fields, or API endpoints that handle course listing requests. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands, which may result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete database compromise. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for data breaches and system compromise. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1190 technique of Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries target web applications to gain unauthorized access to backend systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3778 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive educational data. Organizations using Drupal with the vulnerable Moodle Course List module face significant risks including unauthorized access to student records, course materials, and institutional data. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of educational platforms, potentially exposing sensitive information about student enrollments, grades, and personal details. Additionally, attackers may use this vulnerability as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as database compromise often provides access to other connected systems and applications. The impact is particularly severe in educational environments where data privacy regulations such as FERPA compliance are critical, making the exploitation of such vulnerabilities a serious concern for institutional security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3778 involve immediate patching of the Moodle Course List module to version 6.x-1.2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input filtering mechanisms at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database query parameterization, and strict input validation routines. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring database accounts used by the Moodle application have minimal required permissions, preventing attackers from escalating privileges even if they successfully execute SQL commands. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other modules and components of the Drupal platform. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and alert on suspicious database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping all web application components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent SQL injection through proper parameterization and input sanitization techniques.