CVE-2012-2357 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
The Multi-Authentication feature in the Central Authentication Service (CAS) functionality in auth/cas/cas_form.html in Moodle 2.1.x before 2.1.6 and 2.2.x before 2.2.3 does not use HTTPS, which allows remote attackers to obtain credentials by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2357 affects the Central Authentication Service functionality within Moodle version 2.1.x before 2.1.6 and 2.2.x before 2.2.3. This security flaw resides in the auth/cas/cas_form.html file and specifically targets the Multi-Authentication feature that handles authentication processes through the Central Authentication Service. The issue represents a significant weakness in the authentication infrastructure that could compromise user credentials and system security.
The technical flaw stems from the failure of the CAS authentication mechanism to utilize HTTPS encryption when transmitting authentication credentials. This omission creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector where remote attackers can intercept and capture authentication data during network transmission. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. When users authenticate through the CAS system, their credentials are transmitted in plaintext over the network, making them susceptible to packet sniffing and credential harvesting attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it undermines the fundamental security posture of Moodle installations that rely on CAS authentication. Attackers exploiting this weakness can obtain user passwords, session tokens, and other sensitive authentication data without requiring elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that depend on centralized authentication systems, as compromised credentials could potentially provide attackers with access to multiple systems within the authenticated network. The attack surface is widened by the fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Moodle versions, creating widespread exposure across various institutional deployments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including mandatory HTTPS enforcement for all authentication endpoints, proper SSL/TLS certificate management, and network segmentation to limit exposure. The remediation strategy should include upgrading to patched versions of Moodle where available, implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication, and conducting comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential credential interception attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through network sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks. Security administrators should also consider implementing network access controls and ensuring that all authentication-related communications are properly encrypted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.