CVE-2024-25979 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE • 02/19/2024
The URL parameters accepted by forum search were not limited to the allowed parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25979 represents a critical input validation flaw in forum search functionality that directly impacts web application security. This issue stems from insufficient parameter filtering mechanisms within the URL parameter handling system, allowing unauthorized access to potentially sensitive or unintended functionality through crafted search queries. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate and restrict the parameters passed through URL query strings during forum search operations, creating an attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate application behavior.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the absence of proper parameter whitelisting or sanitization routines within the search processing pipeline. When users submit search queries through URL parameters, the application should enforce strict validation to ensure only predetermined, safe parameters are accepted. However, in this case, the system accepts all parameters without adequate filtering, potentially allowing attackers to inject additional parameters that could alter the search behavior or access restricted features. This weakness aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to the broader category of parameter manipulation vulnerabilities that compromise application integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could enable attackers to perform unauthorized actions within the forum environment. Depending on the application architecture, an attacker might leverage this flaw to access restricted search results, manipulate search algorithms, or potentially gain access to administrative functions if the search component interfaces with privileged operations. The vulnerability could also facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as cross-site scripting attempts or denial of service conditions if the application does not properly handle unexpected parameter combinations. This issue particularly affects web applications that rely heavily on URL-based parameter passing for dynamic content delivery and user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25979 should focus on implementing robust parameter validation and whitelisting mechanisms within the application's input handling layer. The recommended approach involves establishing a strict parameter whitelist that defines exactly which URL parameters are permitted for search operations, with all other parameters being rejected or sanitized. This solution aligns with the principle of least privilege and follows the defensive programming practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of search parameter usage can help detect anomalous patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can automatically detect and block suspicious parameter combinations, providing an additional layer of protection against parameter manipulation attacks. The fix should be implemented through a comprehensive code review process to ensure all URL parameter handling functions are properly secured and validated according to industry best practices.