CVE-2018-16854 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
A flaw was found in moodle before versions 3.6, 3.5.3, 3.4.6, 3.3.9 and 3.1.15. The login form is not protected by a token to prevent login cross-site request forgery.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2020
This vulnerability exists in moodle versions prior to 3.6, 3.5.3, 3.4.6, 3.3.9, and 3.1.15 where the login form lacks proper cross-site request forgery protection through token validation. The absence of anti-CSRF tokens creates a significant security weakness that allows attackers to exploit the authentication mechanism through maliciously crafted requests. This flaw falls under the CWE-352 category of Cross-Site Request Forgery, which represents a critical vulnerability in web applications where unauthorized commands are executed on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the authentication process, making it particularly dangerous for educational platforms that handle sensitive user data and academic information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper token validation on the login form submission. When users attempt to log into moodle, the system should validate that the request originates from the legitimate login page rather than being submitted through a maliciously constructed request. Without CSRF tokens, attackers can create malicious web pages or use automated tools to submit login requests to the moodle instance, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user accounts. This weakness enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions such as changing passwords, accessing restricted content, or impersonating legitimate users within the learning management system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core authentication mechanism and can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns or compromised websites that embed malicious login forms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, privacy violations, and compromise of academic integrity within educational institutions. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain access to student records, course materials, grades, and other sensitive information stored within the moodle platform. Organizations using affected versions of moodle face significant risk of credential theft, account takeovers, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment across educational environments where users may not be fully security-aware. This flaw directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the moodle platform, potentially affecting thousands of users and institutions globally.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of moodle that include proper CSRF token validation on login forms. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing robust anti-CSRF mechanisms that generate unique tokens for each user session and validate them upon form submission. Security administrators should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potential CSRF vulnerabilities within the moodle installation and surrounding web infrastructure. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious login patterns, and conducting regular security audits of the moodle platform. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the risks of phishing attacks and the importance of verifying login page authenticity, as this vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering campaigns that trick users into submitting login credentials through maliciously crafted pages. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper session management and anti-CSRF protections in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive educational data.