CVE-2020-1754 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

In Moodle before version 3.8.2, 3.7.5, 3.6.9, and 3.5.11, a vulnerability existed that allowed users to view grade history reports without the necessary capability restriction.

Understanding CVE-2020-1754

This CVE identifier relates to a specific security issue in Moodle versions prior to 3.8.2, 3.7.5, 3.6.9, and 3.5.11.

What is CVE-2020-1754?

The vulnerability in this CVE existed in Moodle instances before versions 3.8.2, 3.7.5, 3.6.9, and 3.5.11, allowing unauthorized access to grade history reports.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1754

This vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized viewing of grades by users who did not have the necessary permissions.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1754

Vulnerability Description

Users with limited permissions in Moodle instances before 3.8.2, 3.7.5, 3.6.9, and 3.5.11 could view grade history reports without the required access restriction.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Moodle
Versions Affected: 3.8.2, 3.7.5, 3.6.9, 3.5.11

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allowed users without the 'access all groups' capability to view grades of users beyond their own groups.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Moodle to version 3.8.2, 3.7.5, 3.6.9, or 3.5.11 to address the vulnerability.
Restrict access to sensitive data within Moodle.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and adjust user permissions to ensure proper access control.
Educate users on data access policies within Moodle.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Moodle to fix known vulnerabilities.