CVE-2021-41152 in OpenOLAT
Summary
by MITRE • 10/19/2021
OpenOlat is a web-based e-learning platform for teaching, learning, assessment and communication, an LMS, a learning management system. In affected versions by manipulating the HTTP request an attacker can modify the path of a requested file download in the folder component to point to anywhere on the target system. The attack could be used to read any file accessible in the web root folder or outside, depending on the configuration of the system and the properly configured permission of the application server user. The attack requires an OpenOlat user account or the enabled guest user feature together with the usage of the folder component in a course. The attack does not allow writing of arbitrary files, it allows only reading of files and also only ready of files that the attacker knows the exact path which is very unlikely at least for OpenOlat data files. The problem is fixed in version 15.5.8 and 16.0.1 It is advised to upgrade to version 16.0.x. There are no known workarounds to fix this problem, an upgrade is necessary.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2021
CVE-2021-41152 represents a critical path traversal vulnerability within the OpenOlat learning management system that exposes organizations to potential unauthorized file access. This vulnerability resides in the folder component's file download functionality, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate HTTP requests and redirect file download paths to arbitrary locations on the target system. The flaw specifically affects versions prior to 15.5.8 and 16.0.1, making it a significant concern for organizations running affected OpenOlat deployments. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 Path Traversal, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications where user-supplied input is not properly validated before being used to access files or directories. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it can lead to information disclosure and potentially system compromise when attackers can traverse the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an existing OpenOlat user account or the activation of guest user functionality combined with access to the folder component within course content. Attackers can leverage this access to read files accessible within the web root directory or potentially beyond, depending on the underlying system configuration and the permissions assigned to the application server user account. The vulnerability's impact is limited in scope as it only permits read operations rather than write capabilities, and attackers must know the exact file paths they wish to access, making automated exploitation significantly more challenging. However, the potential for information disclosure remains severe, particularly when considering that OpenOlat deployments may contain sensitive educational data, user credentials, configuration files, or other system information that could be accessed through this vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-41152 extends beyond simple data theft to potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of entire learning management environments. Organizations using OpenOlat for educational purposes often store sensitive information including student records, assessment materials, course content, and institutional data that could be exposed through successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) indicates that attackers could systematically enumerate accessible files and directories, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in the folder component suggests that attackers could access course materials, assessment data, or administrative configuration files that may contain sensitive information about the institution's learning environment. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in educational environments where compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR or FERPA is mandatory, as unauthorized access to student data could result in significant regulatory penalties.
Organizations should prioritize immediate upgrade to OpenOlat versions 15.5.8 or 16.0.1 to remediate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for this particular flaw. The upgrade process should be carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to educational activities while maintaining system security. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to determine if any unauthorized access has occurred, particularly focusing on log analysis for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing the importance of input validation and proper access controls. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing file system traversal attacks. Given that this vulnerability affects the core functionality of OpenOlat's file management system, regular security audits of the platform's configuration and access controls should be implemented to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software in educational technology environments where sensitive data is processed and stored.