CVE-2015-5341 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
mod_scorm in Moodle through 2.6.11, 2.7.x before 2.7.11, 2.8.x before 2.8.9, and 2.9.x before 2.9.3 mishandles availability dates, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and read SCORM contents via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2015-5341 affects the mod_scorm module in Moodle learning management systems, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the platform's security posture. This issue impacts multiple versions of Moodle including 2.6.11 and earlier, 2.7.x versions before 2.7.11, 2.8.x versions before 2.8.9, and 2.9.x versions before 2.9.3. The flaw specifically relates to how the system handles availability dates for SCORM content packages, creating a significant security gap that allows authenticated users to circumvent intended access restrictions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1210 for exploitation of remote services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of availability date parameters within the SCORM module's access control mechanisms. When administrators set specific date ranges for SCORM content availability, the system fails to properly enforce these temporal restrictions, allowing users who have already authenticated to access content outside the intended time windows. This flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of date parameters or session handling during SCORM content delivery. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that bypasses the intended temporal access controls, enabling users to read SCORM contents that should be restricted based on availability dates.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5341 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially compromising the integrity of educational assessments and course content distribution. Organizations using affected Moodle versions face risks of content leakage, where sensitive course materials, assessments, or learning resources become accessible outside their designated timeframes. This could particularly affect institutions with time-sensitive exams, restricted access to proprietary content, or courses with staggered release schedules. The vulnerability undermines the trust model of Moodle's access control system, potentially allowing users to access content they should not be permitted to view, which could lead to academic integrity issues, unauthorized information disclosure, or disruption of planned learning sequences. The flaw affects the core functionality of Moodle's content management and access control features, making it particularly dangerous for educational institutions relying on these security mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5341 require immediate action to upgrade affected Moodle installations to patched versions, specifically targeting the mentioned fixed releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Moodle instances are updated promptly. Additionally, administrators should review and audit existing SCORM content availability settings to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, reinforcing principles from security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 for access control and system security. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and establish regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other Moodle modules or plugins that might be susceptible to similar temporal access control bypasses.