CVE-2012-1168 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
Moodle before 2.2.2 has a password and web services issue where when the user profile is updated the user password is reset if not specified.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1168 affects Moodle versions prior to 2.2.2 and represents a critical security flaw in the user authentication and profile management system. This issue stems from improper handling of user password updates within the Moodle learning management platform, creating a scenario where user credentials can be inadvertently compromised during routine profile modifications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when administrators or users attempt to update profile information without explicitly providing a password, leading to automatic password reset mechanisms being triggered. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in access control and authentication management within the platform's user administration functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the lack of proper input validation and conditional logic within the user profile update process. When the system processes profile modifications, it fails to distinguish between legitimate password updates and profile changes that should not trigger password reset operations. This design flaw creates a path where any user with sufficient privileges to modify profiles can inadvertently reset passwords for other users, particularly when the password field is left blank or unspecified during the update process. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically affects the authentication subsystem's handling of user credentials during administrative operations. This weakness aligns with CWE-306, which addresses "Missing Authentication for Critical Function" and CWE-287, concerning "Improper Handling of Passwords," demonstrating how inadequate validation can lead to unauthorized access and privilege escalation scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1168 extends beyond simple password resets to potentially compromise entire user accounts and undermine the security posture of educational institutions relying on Moodle. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to reset passwords for arbitrary users, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive learning materials, personal information, and institutional resources. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently update user profiles without careful attention to password fields, as it can result in widespread account compromise. Organizations using affected Moodle versions face increased risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to student records, and potential disruption of educational services. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability can be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who gain access to administrative accounts, making it a significant concern for security-conscious institutions.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Moodle version 2.2.2 or later to address this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the underlying code flaw. The upgrade process should include thorough testing of user profile management functions to ensure proper password handling behavior. System administrators should implement additional monitoring of user profile modification activities, particularly around password reset events, to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security policies should be updated to require explicit password specification during profile updates and to enforce strong password policies. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit administrative privileges and reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication management and input validation in web applications, serving as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and comprehensive testing of authentication systems. The issue also demonstrates the value of implementing defense-in-depth strategies, including logging and monitoring of administrative activities, to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should conduct security assessments to identify other potential authentication-related vulnerabilities and ensure that all user management functions properly validate input parameters to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications or systems.