CVE-2017-18381 in Open edX
Summary
by MITRE
The installation process in Open edX before 2017-01-10 exposes a MongoDB instance to external connections with default credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18381 affects the Open edX learning management platform, specifically during its installation process. This issue represents a critical security flaw that occurred in versions prior to the 2017-01-10 release, creating a significant exposure risk for organizations deploying this educational technology platform. The vulnerability stems from improper configuration during the installation phase, where MongoDB databases are inadvertently made accessible from external network connections without adequate security measures.
The technical flaw involves the default MongoDB instance configuration that occurs during Open edX installation, where the database service is bound to all network interfaces rather than being restricted to localhost access only. This misconfiguration allows any external entity with network access to connect to the MongoDB instance using the default administrative credentials that are typically pre-configured within the platform. The vulnerability manifests as a lack of proper access controls and network segmentation, creating an attack surface that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and network isolation.
This vulnerability has severe operational impact across multiple domains of cybersecurity. The exposure of MongoDB instances with default credentials provides attackers with immediate access to sensitive educational data including user credentials, course materials, personal information, and institutional data. The default credentials present in the vulnerable versions represent a classic security misconfiguration that aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data access, modification, or even complete system compromise, potentially leading to data breaches that could affect thousands of users and educational institutions.
The operational consequences extend beyond immediate data compromise to include regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage for educational institutions. Organizations deploying Open edX without proper security hardening face potential violations of data protection regulations such as GDPR, FERPA, and other privacy frameworks. The vulnerability also provides attackers with a potential entry point for lateral movement within networks, as MongoDB databases often contain interconnected data that can be leveraged for further attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, where default credentials serve as a primary attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18381 require immediate action to secure the MongoDB instance configuration. Organizations must ensure that MongoDB services are configured to bind only to localhost interfaces and that default administrative credentials are changed immediately upon installation. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate database services from external access, and proper firewall rules should be applied to restrict MongoDB port access. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to Open edX versions released after 2017-01-10, which contain proper security configurations and address the default credential exposure issue. Additionally, implementing regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar misconfigurations in other system components, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks.