CVE-2020-9386 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In Mahara 18.10 before 18.10.5, 19.04 before 19.04.4, and 19.10 before 19.10.2, file metadata information is disclosed to group members in the Elasticsearch result list despite them not having access to that artefact anymore.

Understanding CVE-2020-9386

This CVE involves the unauthorized disclosure of file metadata information to group members in Mahara versions prior to specific updates.

What is CVE-2020-9386?

The vulnerability in Mahara versions allows group members to view file metadata in Elasticsearch results even if they no longer have access to the file.

The Impact of CVE-2020-9386

The exposure of file metadata to unauthorized group members can lead to privacy breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-9386

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows group members to see file metadata in Elasticsearch results despite lacking access rights to the file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mahara 18.10 before 18.10.5
Mahara 19.04 before 19.04.4
Mahara 19.10 before 19.10.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized group members can exploit this vulnerability by accessing Elasticsearch result lists to view file metadata.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems and data from CVE-2020-9386 with these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mahara to versions 18.10.5, 19.04.4, or 19.10.2 to patch the vulnerability.
Restrict access to Elasticsearch to authorized users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit access to file metadata.
Educate users on data privacy and security best practices.

Patching and Updates

Apply all available Mahara updates promptly to ensure the latest security patches are in place.