CVE-2015-5601 in edx-platform
Summary
by MITRE
edx-platform before 2015-07-20 allows code execution by privileged users because the course import endpoint mishandles .tar.gz files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-5601 affects the edx-platform learning management system prior to version 2015-07-20, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution by authenticated users with elevated privileges. This issue stems from improper handling of compressed archive files within the course import functionality, creating a dangerous attack vector that could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability specifically targets the course import endpoint which processes .tar.gz files, making it particularly concerning for educational institutions that rely on this platform for course management and content delivery.
The technical flaw manifests in the platform's insufficient validation and sanitization of .tar.gz file contents during the import process. When privileged users upload course materials through the import endpoint, the system fails to properly decompress and validate the archive contents before processing them. This inadequate handling creates a path for attackers to embed malicious code within the compressed files, which then gets executed when the platform processes the imported course data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-472 Unprotected Primary Resource, as the system does not adequately protect the resource that handles user-supplied data. The improper validation allows for path traversal attacks and arbitrary code execution, making it a severe security risk that could compromise the entire platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data corruption or service disruption, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain full control over the affected edx-platform instance. Once exploited, malicious actors could execute commands with the privileges of the web application, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations that manage educational content through edx-platform, including universities, training institutions, and corporate learning departments, making it particularly dangerous in environments where sensitive student data and proprietary course materials are stored. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access confidential academic records, manipulate course content, or establish unauthorized access points within the organization's network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version of edx-platform released on or after July 20, 2015, which addresses the improper handling of compressed files in the import endpoint. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation policies that reject suspicious archive contents, limiting user privileges for import operations, and monitoring import activities for anomalous behavior. The remediation efforts should also incorporate network segmentation to isolate the platform from critical infrastructure, along with comprehensive logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure file handling practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the exploitation involves executing malicious code through compromised import functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content delivery restrictions to further protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.