CVE-2015-3275 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the SCORM module in Moodle through 2.6.11, 2.7.x before 2.7.9, 2.8.x before 2.8.7, and 2.9.x before 2.9.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted organization name to (1) mod/scorm/player.php or (2) mod/scorm/prereqs.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2022
The CVE-2015-3275 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in Moodle's SCORM module that affected multiple version ranges including 2.6.11 and earlier, 2.7.x versions before 2.7.9, 2.8.x versions before 2.8.7, and 2.9.x versions before 2.9.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of organization names within SCORM content delivery, creating opportunities for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of affected users' browsers. The flaw resides in the improper sanitization of user-supplied input during SCORM module operations, particularly when processing organization names that are used in the player.php and prereqs.php scripts. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies it as a classic cross-site scripting attack vector, where malicious input is not properly validated or escaped before being rendered in web pages. This weakness allows attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML content that gets executed when other users view the affected SCORM content, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized access to course materials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within educational institutions that rely on Moodle for learning management and content delivery. Attackers exploiting this flaw could manipulate SCORM packages to inject malicious code that executes in the browser context of legitimate users accessing course materials. When users navigate to pages containing compromised SCORM content, their browsers would execute the injected scripts, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The attack vectors target the player.php and prereqs.php endpoints specifically, suggesting that the vulnerability occurs during the rendering of SCORM content or prerequisite checking functionality. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario for educational environments where users trust the integrity of course materials, as the malicious code could be embedded within seemingly legitimate SCORM packages that instructors upload to the learning management system.
The exploitation of CVE-2015-3275 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which involves the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code. Attackers would craft SCORM packages with malicious organization names containing script tags that get rendered without proper sanitization. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Moodle version lines indicates a fundamental flaw in input validation that was not adequately addressed in the codebase, making it a widespread concern for institutions running any of the affected versions. Organizations using Moodle for educational content delivery face significant risk from this vulnerability, as SCORM packages are commonly used for interactive learning modules, assessments, and training content. The attack surface is particularly broad since SCORM content is frequently shared between institutions and instructors, increasing the potential for malicious content to be introduced through legitimate course materials. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in web applications, where user-provided data is directly incorporated into web responses without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of affected Moodle installations and implementation of proper input validation measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other modules and components of the learning management system.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications, particularly within educational platforms that handle diverse content types. The presence of this flaw across multiple version lines suggests that the underlying security controls were not adequately implemented at the application architecture level. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures including dynamic application security testing and static code analysis to identify similar vulnerabilities in their Moodle installations. The vulnerability also highlights the need for robust content management practices where SCORM packages undergo security review before deployment. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks. The remediation process involves updating to patched versions of Moodle while also establishing proper security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. This case study serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations required in educational technology platforms where user trust and data integrity are paramount. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 and its exploitation patterns align with common web application attack vectors, emphasizing the necessity of implementing proper security controls throughout the software development lifecycle.