CVE-2012-5471 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
The Dropbox Repository File Picker in Moodle 2.1.x before 2.1.9, 2.2.x before 2.2.6, and 2.3.x before 2.3.3 allows remote authenticated users to access the Dropbox of a different user by leveraging an unattended workstation after a logout.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5471 affects Moodle versions prior to specific patches, specifically targeting the Dropbox Repository File Picker component within the learning management system. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that undermines user authentication and session management mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access through a specific exploitation vector involving unattended workstations. The vulnerability exists in versions 2.1.x before 2.1.9, 2.2.x before 2.2.6, and 2.3.x before 2.3.3, indicating a widespread impact across multiple stable release branches of the Moodle platform.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient session cleanup and authentication state management within the Dropbox repository integration. When users log out of Moodle, the system fails to properly terminate or invalidate the Dropbox API session that was established during the file picker interaction. This oversight creates a window of opportunity where an attacker can exploit an unattended workstation by simply accessing the browser session that was left active after logout. The vulnerability specifically leverages the fact that the Dropbox authentication token remains valid and accessible even after the Moodle user has logged out, allowing unauthorized access to another user's Dropbox account through the same browser session.
This security weakness directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user data within the Moodle environment, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive files stored in Dropbox repositories. The operational impact extends beyond simple data theft, potentially allowing attackers to modify, delete, or exfiltrate educational content, personal documents, and other confidential materials stored in affected user accounts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in educational environments where Moodle is used for managing student records, course materials, and administrative documents, as it could lead to significant privacy violations and potential compliance breaches. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication and can be executed on any device where the victim had previously authenticated to Dropbox through the Moodle interface, making it a persistent threat in shared or public computing environments.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session management, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential harvesting through session management flaws. Organizations should immediately implement the available patches for Moodle versions 2.1.9, 2.2.6, and 2.3.3 to resolve this issue. Additional mitigations include implementing proper browser session management policies, configuring automatic session timeouts, and educating users about the importance of manually closing browser sessions after logout. System administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls to monitor for suspicious authentication patterns and establish regular security audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper session handling in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party integrations within learning management systems.