CVE-2013-3602 in Coursemill Learning Management System
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in admindocumentworker.jsp in Coursemill Learning Management System (LMS) 6.6 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the docID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The CVE-2013-3602 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Coursemill Learning Management System version 6.6, specifically within the admindocumentworker.jsp component. This vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's database interactions. The flaw manifests through the docID parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that can be executed within the database context. This particular vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which represents improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, making it a classic example of SQL injection attacks that have plagued web applications for decades.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials within the Coursemill LMS system, as the vulnerability is accessible only to authenticated users. However, this authentication requirement does not mitigate the severity of the flaw, as it still enables privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. The docID parameter in admindocumentworker.jsp serves as the primary attack vector, where an attacker can manipulate the input to include SQL payload commands that bypass the application's security controls. When the application processes this parameter, it constructs SQL queries without proper parameterization or input sanitization, directly incorporating user-supplied data into the database execution context. This design flaw allows for the execution of arbitrary SQL commands, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain administrative control over the system's data layer.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3602 extends beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the learning management system's database. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access student records, course materials, administrative configurations, and potentially other sensitive data stored within the Coursemill system. The vulnerability also opens pathways for persistent attacks, as successful exploitation can lead to data manipulation, unauthorized access to system resources, and potential lateral movement within the network. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and represents a significant concern for organizations using the Coursemill LMS, as it can result in regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage. Organizations relying on this system face the risk of unauthorized data access and modification, potentially affecting thousands of students and educational institutions that depend on the integrity of their learning management infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3602 must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader security posture improvements. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries within the admindocumentworker.jsp component, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous sanitization before being incorporated into SQL statements. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege, limiting the database permissions of the application's database user accounts to only those operations necessary for normal system functionality. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, as this flaw represents a common pattern in web application development that continues to affect numerous systems. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection, though these measures should complement rather than replace proper code-level fixes. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous SQL query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and establish incident response procedures to quickly address any potential compromise of the system's database infrastructure.