CVE-2012-2247 in Mahara
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Mahara 1.4.x before 1.4.5 and 1.5.x before 1.5.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to artefact/file/ and a crafted SVG file.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2247 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Mahara learning management systems version 1.4.x prior to 1.4.5 and 1.5.x prior to 1.5.4. This vulnerability specifically targets the artefact/file/ directory component of the application, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing file uploads, particularly SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files that are commonly used for graphical content in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way Mahara handles file uploads and rendering processes. When users upload SVG files through the artefact/file/ interface, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the content of these files before storing and potentially rendering them. This omission creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious SVG files containing embedded JavaScript code or other malicious HTML content. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because SVG files are often treated as safe content by web applications, yet they can contain executable code that bypasses typical security filters. The flaw manifests when the system renders these SVG files, executing the embedded malicious code in the context of the victim's browser session, thereby enabling attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or defacing the learning management system interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2247 extends beyond simple data theft or content manipulation. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can establish persistent access to affected systems, potentially compromising entire user bases within educational institutions using Mahara. The vulnerability creates a vector for privilege escalation attacks, as authenticated users could be tricked into uploading malicious SVG files that execute code with their privileges. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive educational data, user credentials, and institutional information. The attack surface is particularly concerning in educational environments where users frequently upload multimedia content, making the exploitation of this vulnerability both feasible and potentially widespread.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Mahara versions 1.4.5 or 1.5.4, which contain patches addressing the input validation deficiencies. Additionally, administrators should enforce strict file type validation and sanitization policies for all uploaded content, particularly SVG files. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the application context. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file upload patterns and unusual SVG file characteristics. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes Cross-site Scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic example of how insecure file handling can create persistent security risks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers would typically need to lure users into uploading malicious files through social engineering tactics. Organizations should also consider implementing automated file scanning mechanisms and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure comprehensive protection against evolving attack vectors.