CVE-2012-5473 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
The Database activity module 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 read activity entries of a different group s users via an advanced search.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5473 affects the Database activity module within Moodle learning management system versions prior to specific patch releases. This security flaw resides in the access control mechanisms that govern how users interact with database activity entries, specifically within group-based learning environments where users are organized into distinct cohorts for educational purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authorization checks within the advanced search functionality of the Database activity module. When authenticated users perform advanced searches within database activities, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user has appropriate permissions to access entries belonging to other groups. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that allows unauthorized information disclosure through improper access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within educational institutions utilizing Moodle for course management and collaborative learning environments. Attackers with valid user accounts can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information that should be restricted to specific group members. This includes database activity entries, which may contain assignment submissions, discussion posts, or other educational content that instructors intend to keep within particular group boundaries. The vulnerability essentially breaks down the group isolation mechanisms that are fundamental to maintaining academic privacy and preventing information leakage between student cohorts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient authorization checks in web applications can lead to unauthorized data access, particularly in multi-tenant educational environments where data segregation is paramount. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Moodle's group management system and undermines the security model that instructors rely upon to maintain controlled access to learning materials.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Moodle where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper access control enforcement. System administrators should also review existing group configurations and user permissions to ensure that the vulnerability cannot be exploited through other means. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and implementing network-level controls to restrict access to sensitive modules can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that group-based access controls function correctly after patch application.