CVE-2012-2363 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in calendar/event.php in the calendar implementation in Moodle 1.9.x before 1.9.18 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a crafted calendar event.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The CVE-2012-2363 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Moodle's calendar component that affects versions 1.9.x prior to 1.9.18. This vulnerability exists in the calendar/event.php file, which processes calendar event data within the Moodle learning management system. The flaw specifically targets the calendar implementation that allows users to create and manage events, making it a significant security concern for educational institutions relying on Moodle for their learning platforms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that any user with valid credentials can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the calendar event processing logic. When authenticated users submit calendar events through the web interface, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL query constructs. This allows malicious actors to inject specially crafted SQL payloads that bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input directly influences database query execution, making it a classic example of improper input handling that violates fundamental security principles. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized under the broader weakness of insufficient input validation and improper neutralization of special elements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the underlying database server. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and institutional records. The vulnerability also potentially allows for data modification, deletion, or even complete database compromise, which could lead to service disruption and unauthorized access to educational content. Given that Moodle is widely deployed in educational environments, the potential for widespread impact is significant, particularly when considering that many institutions may have outdated versions of the software running without proper patch management procedures. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, which means that even users with basic student or faculty credentials could potentially exploit this vulnerability.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Moodle installations to address this vulnerability, as version 1.9.18 includes the necessary security fixes. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for all user-supplied data, particularly within database query construction processes. Security best practices dictate that all user inputs should be treated as potentially malicious and properly escaped or parameterized before being incorporated into SQL statements. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual database activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving SQL injection and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage it to gain elevated database access and potentially move laterally within the system. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the Moodle platform and prevent similar issues from arising in the future.