CVE-2012-0800 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
The form-autocompletion functionality in Moodle 2.0.x before 2.0.7, 2.1.x before 2.1.4, and 2.2.x before 2.2.1 makes it easier for physically proximate attackers to discover passwords by reading the contents of a non-password field, as demonstrated by accessing a create-groups page with Safari on an iPad device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-0800 represents a significant security flaw in the Moodle learning management system's form autocompletion feature. This issue affects multiple versions of Moodle including 2.0.x before 2.0.7, 2.1.x before 2.1.4, and 2.2.x before 2.2.1, creating a persistent risk for users of these platforms. The flaw specifically relates to how the system handles autocompletion for non-password form fields, which inadvertently exposes sensitive authentication data to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by attackers who are physically proximate to the target device, making it a serious concern for mobile device users who may be vulnerable to shoulder-surfing attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of HTML form autocompletion attributes within Moodle's user interface components. When users interact with forms that contain both password and non-password fields, the browser's autocompletion mechanism may store and suggest previously entered values for non-password fields. This behavior becomes problematic when the system's form handling does not properly distinguish between sensitive and non-sensitive input fields, allowing attackers to potentially access stored password information through the autocompletion features of web browsers. The specific demonstration involves accessing a create-groups page with Safari on an iPad device, which highlights the vulnerability's exploitation through mobile browser environments where autocompletion features are commonly enabled.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password exposure, as it creates an attack vector that requires minimal technical skill and can be executed by physically proximate adversaries. Attackers can leverage this weakness to discover passwords by simply reading the contents of non-password fields, which may contain cached authentication information or related user credentials. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of information disclosure flaws and can be classified as a CWE-200 - Information Exposure, where sensitive data is exposed to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 - Unsecured Credentials, as it enables adversaries to access stored credentials through insecure form handling practices.
Organizations using affected Moodle versions face significant security risks including potential credential compromise, unauthorized access to user accounts, and exposure of sensitive educational data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in educational environments where students and staff may be using shared or public devices, as the attack can be executed without requiring network access or sophisticated tools. The physical proximity requirement does not limit the threat to only specific locations, as users may be vulnerable in various settings including libraries, computer labs, or any environment where mobile devices are used. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper form security implementation and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user authentication data.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate upgrading to patched versions of Moodle, specifically versions 2.0.7, 2.1.4, and 2.2.1 respectively, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as disabling autocompletion for sensitive forms through appropriate HTML attributes, conducting regular security audits of web applications, and educating users about the risks of using shared devices. The fix typically involves modifying the form field attributes to properly control autocompletion behavior and ensuring that password fields are not inadvertently exposed through non-password field autocompletion mechanisms. This vulnerability underscores the importance of security considerations in web application development and the need for thorough testing of user interface components that handle sensitive data.