CVE-2010-1614 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Moodle 1.8.x before 1.8.12 and 1.9.x before 1.9.8 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to (1) the Login-As feature or (2) when the global search feature is enabled, unspecified global search forms in the Global Search Engine. NOTE: vector 1 might be resultant from a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1614 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting Moodle learning management systems version 1.8.x before 1.8.12 and 1.9.x before 1.9.8. This issue exposes the platform to remote code execution risks where attackers can inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that leverage different components of the Moodle system architecture, creating multiple entry points for exploitation.
The first vector involves the Login-As feature, which allows administrators to temporarily assume the identity of other users for troubleshooting purposes. This functionality becomes dangerous when combined with XSS capabilities, as attackers can craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of privileged user sessions. The second vector operates through the global search feature, specifically when the Global Search Engine is enabled, targeting unspecified forms within this search functionality. Both vectors demonstrate the dangerous intersection of user privilege escalation and input validation failures within Moodle's core modules.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as a classic reflected XSS attack pattern where malicious input is immediately reflected back to users without proper sanitization or encoding. The attack requires no authentication from the victim, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed through social engineering or automated scanning tools. The potential for privilege escalation through the Login-As vector specifically aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as the injection of malicious code into web applications. This vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-352, which addresses cross-site request forgery issues, as noted in the CVE description.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. When combined with the CSRF implications mentioned in the description, attackers can exploit the Login-As functionality to gain elevated privileges within the system. The global search vector presents additional risks as it affects all users who have access to the search functionality, potentially compromising the entire user base.
Organizations utilizing affected Moodle versions face significant security risks including unauthorized access to user accounts, data theft, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability affects core administrative functions and search capabilities, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to educational platforms. The impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Moodle in educational institutions globally, where such vulnerabilities can compromise sensitive student and faculty data.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to upgrade to Moodle versions 1.8.12 or 1.9.8, which contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement additional input validation measures, particularly for the Login-As feature and global search functionality. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace proper patch management. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous login patterns and unusual search queries that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input sanitization across all user-facing features and highlights the critical need for regular security updates in educational technology platforms.