CVE-2013-2242 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
mod/chat/gui_sockets/index.php in Moodle through 2.1.10, 2.2.x before 2.2.11, 2.3.x before 2.3.8, 2.4.x before 2.4.5, and 2.5.x before 2.5.1 does not consider the mod/chat:chat capability before authorizing daemon-mode chat, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions via an HTTP session to a chat server.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2242 affects Moodle learning management systems across multiple versions including 2.1.10 and earlier, 2.2.x versions before 2.2.11, 2.3.x versions before 2.3.8, 2.4.x versions before 2.4.5, and 2.5.x versions before 2.5.1. This issue resides within the mod/chat/gui_sockets/index.php component which handles socket-based chat functionality in the platform. The core problem stems from insufficient capability checking during daemon-mode chat authorization processes, creating a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the Moodle system.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of user permissions when establishing chat connections in daemon mode. Specifically, the system fails to verify whether authenticated users possess the required mod/chat:chat capability before granting access to the chat server. This oversight allows remote authenticated users to exploit the system by establishing HTTP sessions that bypass the intended access controls. The vulnerability operates at the application level and leverages the existing authentication mechanism to gain unauthorized access to chat functionality that should be restricted to authorized participants only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially intercept communications, disrupt chat sessions, and access sensitive information exchanged during chat interactions. Since the vulnerability affects the chat daemon functionality, it could allow malicious actors to monitor conversations between students and instructors, compromise the confidentiality of educational communications, and potentially manipulate chat sessions to gain further system access. The flaw is particularly concerning in educational environments where privacy and security of student communications are paramount, as it could expose sensitive academic discussions and personal information shared through the chat system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and relates to the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched versions of Moodle, reviewing and strengthening access control policies for chat functionality, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The recommended approach involves applying the official security patches released by Moodle, implementing additional authentication layers for chat services, and conducting regular security audits to ensure proper capability enforcement. System administrators should also consider network segmentation and monitoring of chat server communications to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain compliance with educational data protection regulations.