CVE-2009-4303 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
Moodle 1.8 before 1.8.11 and 1.9 before 1.9.7 stores (1) password hashes and (2) unspecified "secrets" in backup files, which might allow attackers to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4303 affects Moodle learning management systems version 1.8 before 1.8.11 and 1.9 before 1.9.7, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that compromises the security posture of educational institutions relying on this platform. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of sensitive data during the backup process, where password hashes and unspecified secrets are inadvertently stored within backup files, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors. The flaw directly violates security principles by exposing authentication-related information that should remain protected and separate from backup operations, thereby undermining the confidentiality assurances typically expected from system backup mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during Moodle's backup functionality where the system fails to properly sanitize or exclude sensitive information from backup archives. When administrators create backups of their Moodle instances, the backup process includes not only the regular course content and user data but also password hashes and cryptographic secrets that are essential for system authentication and security. This improper inclusion creates a scenario where attackers who gain access to backup files can extract these sensitive credentials and potentially leverage them for unauthorized access to user accounts, system administration privileges, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability operates at the data handling level, specifically within the backup and restore modules of the Moodle application.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4303 extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential for credential reuse attacks, privilege escalation, and unauthorized system access. Attackers who obtain backup files containing password hashes can attempt offline password cracking attacks, potentially compromising multiple user accounts across the institution. The unspecified "secrets" mentioned in the vulnerability description likely refer to cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other authentication-related values that could enable attackers to impersonate legitimate users or gain administrative access. This vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions where Moodle is widely deployed, as these organizations often store sensitive student and staff information, making the exposure of authentication credentials particularly damaging. The impact is amplified by the fact that backup files are often stored in less secure locations or may be shared across multiple administrators, increasing the attack surface.
Security mitigations for CVE-2009-4303 primarily involve upgrading to the patched versions of Moodle 1.8.11 and 1.9.7, which properly address the improper data inclusion in backup files. Organizations should also implement strict access controls for backup files, ensuring they are stored in encrypted, secure locations with limited access permissions. Regular security audits should verify that backup files do not contain sensitive information, and administrators should consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect potential information disclosure in backup operations. Additionally, organizations should review their backup and restore procedures to ensure that sensitive data is properly excluded from backup processes, aligning with security frameworks such as the CWE-200 standard for information exposure and following ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and defense evasion. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper data sanitization during backup operations and demonstrates how seemingly routine administrative functions can create significant security risks when not properly secured.