CVE-2020-14320 : What You Need to Know

In Moodle before 3.9.1, 3.8.4, and 3.7.7, a vulnerability exists that could lead to a reflected XSS risk due to inadequate sanitization in the admin task log filter.

Understanding CVE-2020-14320

This CVE identifies a security issue in Moodle versions prior to 3.9.1, 3.8.4, and 3.7.7.

What is CVE-2020-14320?

The vulnerability in Moodle versions before 3.9.1, 3.8.4, and 3.7.7 stems from insufficient sanitization in the admin task log filter, potentially exposing users to reflected XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14320

The presence of this vulnerability could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a user's session, leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14320

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in Moodle versions before 3.9.1, 3.8.4, and 3.7.7 lies in the admin task log filter, which lacks proper sanitization, enabling the injection of malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Moodle
Versions Affected: Moodle 3.9, 3.8 to 3.8.3, and 3.7 to 3.7.6

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input that, when processed by the admin task log filter, gets executed in the user's browser, potentially compromising sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-14320 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Moodle to version 3.9.1, 3.8.4, or 3.7.7, which contain fixes for the XSS vulnerability.
Educate users to avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Moodle and other software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement content security policies to mitigate XSS risks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.