CVE-2024-28198 in OpenOlat
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2024
OpenOlat is an open source web-based e-learning platform for teaching, learning, assessment and communication. By manually manipulating http requests when using the draw.io integration it is possible to read arbitrary files as the configured system user and SSRF. The problem is fixed in version 18.1.6 and 18.2.2. It is advised to upgrade to the latest version of 18.1.x or 18.2.x. Users unable to upgrade may work around this issue by disabling the Draw.io module or the entire REST API which will secure the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-28198 affects OpenOlat, a widely-used open source web-based e-learning platform that facilitates teaching, learning, assessment, and communication in educational environments. This security flaw resides within the platform's integration with draw.io, a popular diagramming tool, and represents a critical security weakness that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability manifests through improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the HTTP request processing pipeline, specifically when handling requests related to the draw.io integration functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the REST API endpoints that manage draw.io integration. Attackers can manipulate HTTP requests to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary file reads as the system user account under which the OpenOlat application operates. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and CWE-918 - Server-Side Request Forgery, both of which are classified under the OWASP Top Ten as critical security risks. The flaw allows for server-side request forgery attacks where malicious actors can make the application perform requests to internal network resources that would normally be inaccessible from the outside, potentially leading to information disclosure, lateral movement, and further system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it creates a persistent security risk for educational institutions relying on OpenOlat for their e-learning infrastructure. When exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem, potentially accessing configuration files, database credentials, user data, and other sensitive information. The SSRF component amplifies this risk by allowing attackers to probe internal network services and potentially gain access to backend systems that should remain isolated from external access. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, and T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it can be leveraged to extract information that could then be used for further attacks or to compromise additional systems within the organization's network infrastructure.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2024-28198 involves upgrading to version 18.1.6 or 18.2.2, which contain proper input validation and access control measures to prevent the manipulation of HTTP requests. Organizations unable to perform immediate upgrades should implement temporary workarounds by disabling the Draw.io module or the entire REST API to eliminate the attack surface. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of their OpenOlat installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate SSRF activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper API security implementation and the need for comprehensive input validation, particularly in web applications that integrate with third-party services and provide RESTful interfaces for external communication.