CVE-2011-4589 in moodle
Summary
by MITRE
backup/moodle2/restore_stepslib.php in Moodle 2.0.x before 2.0.6 and 2.1.x before 2.1.3 does not check for the moodle/course:changeidnumber privilege during handling of course ID numbers, which allows remote authenticated users to overwrite ID numbers via a restore action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-4589 affects Moodle learning management systems version 2.0.x before 2.0.6 and 2.1.x before 2.1.3, specifically within the backup/moodle2/restore_stepslib.php file. This issue represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that undermines the integrity of course identification within the platform's course management system. The flaw exists in the restore functionality where the system fails to validate proper authorization before allowing modifications to course ID numbers, creating a potential vector for unauthorized data manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient privilege checking within the restore process. When users perform course restoration operations, the system should verify that the authenticated user possesses the appropriate moodle/course:changeidnumber permission before allowing any modifications to course identification numbers. However, the restore_stepslib.php file bypasses this critical authorization check, enabling remote authenticated users to manipulate course ID numbers through restore actions. This oversight allows attackers to overwrite existing ID numbers without proper authorization, potentially causing confusion in course management and data integrity issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification, as course ID numbers serve as critical identifiers within the Moodle ecosystem. When attackers can overwrite these numbers, they may disrupt course enrollment mappings, break external integrations that rely on specific ID numbers, and create inconsistencies in reporting and analytics. The vulnerability affects the principle of least privilege and undermines the access control mechanisms that should protect course data integrity. From a security perspective, this represents a significant concern as it allows authenticated users to perform unauthorized modifications that could compromise the educational institution's learning management system operations and data consistency.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, specifically the lack of proper privilege checking during system operations. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient authorization validation during restore processes can create persistent security weaknesses within educational platforms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques where authenticated users can leverage system functionality to gain unauthorized capabilities. The impact is particularly concerning in educational environments where Moodle systems manage sensitive student data and course information that requires strict access controls and data integrity measures.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2011-4589 include immediate patching of affected Moodle installations to versions 2.0.6 and 2.1.3 or later, which contain the necessary privilege checking fixes. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring of restore operations and course ID number changes to detect unauthorized modifications. Security administrators should review and enforce proper user role assignments to ensure that only authorized personnel possess the moodle/course:changeidnumber privilege. Regular security audits of Moodle installations should verify that access control mechanisms function correctly and that all restore operations properly validate user permissions before allowing data modifications.