CVE-2022-0983 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2022
An SQL injection risk was identified in Badges code relating to configuring criteria. Access to the relevant capability was limited to teachers and managers by default.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-0983 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the badges functionality of a learning management system where users can configure criteria for badge issuance. This security weakness exists in the code handling badge configuration parameters, specifically when processing user inputs related to criteria settings. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of data passed to database queries, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the underlying sql statements through crafted inputs. The flaw is particularly concerning as it affects the badge configuration module which is a core component of the system's user recognition and achievement tracking mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices where user-supplied data directly influences sql query construction without proper parameterization or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious sql payloads into badge configuration fields, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the database system. The attack surface is limited to users with teacher and manager privileges by default, but this access control does not prevent authenticated users from performing malicious activities within their authorized scope. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection as a common weakness in web applications where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0983 extends beyond simple data theft as it enables attackers to manipulate badge criteria and potentially access sensitive user information or modify achievement records. Since the vulnerability affects badge configuration capabilities, an attacker could alter the conditions required for badge issuance, potentially leading to unauthorized badge distribution or manipulation of user achievement data. The system's default access control model provides only basic protection, as authenticated users with appropriate permissions can still exploit this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database operations. This weakness can be leveraged to extract confidential information, modify user records, or potentially escalate privileges within the system's database layer.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0983 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query construction throughout the badge configuration module. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters commonly used in sql injection attacks. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries to separate sql code from data, ensuring that user inputs are never directly incorporated into sql command strings. Additionally, implementing proper access control measures and input length restrictions can help reduce the attack surface. Security patches should be applied immediately to address the vulnerability, and organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar sql injection patterns in other system components. This remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer attacks and emphasizes the importance of secure coding practices in preventing database injection vulnerabilities.