CVE-2017-12157 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Teachers using Moodle 3.x have the ability to access user details within groups that are not accessible to them through a range of course reports.

Understanding CVE-2017-12157

In Moodle 3.x, various course reports allow teachers to view details about users in the groups they can't access.

What is CVE-2017-12157?

This CVE involves an improper authorization issue in Moodle 3.x, enabling teachers to access user details in groups they should not have access to through certain course reports.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12157

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user information, compromising data privacy and confidentiality within the Moodle platform.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12157

Vulnerability Description

Improper authorization allows teachers to view user details in inaccessible groups via course reports.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Moodle 3.x
Versions: Moodle 3.x

Exploitation Mechanism

Teachers exploit course reports to access user information in groups they are not authorized to view.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Moodle to a patched version that addresses the improper authorization vulnerability.
Restrict teacher access to sensitive user information within the platform.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update user access permissions to prevent unauthorized data access.
Educate teachers on proper data handling and access protocols within Moodle.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Moodle to fix the improper authorization issue and enhance platform security.