CVE-2021-36568 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-36568, a Moodle vulnerability allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts. Learn the affected versions and how to prevent exploits.
A Cross Site Scripting Stored (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in certain versions of Moodle, impacting versions 3.11, 3.10.4, and 3.9.7. This CVE-2021-36568 allows attackers to execute malicious scripts on the user's browser.
Understanding CVE-2021-36568
This section will cover the fundamental aspects of the CVE-2021-36568 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-36568?
CVE-2021-36568 is a Cross Site Scripting Stored (XSS) vulnerability discovered in specific Moodle products, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts through vulnerable fields.
The Impact of CVE-2021-36568
The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows threat actors to conduct various malicious activities like stealing sensitive data, session hijacking, and initiating phishing attacks.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-36568
This section will delve into the technical details related to CVE-2021-36568.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises in Moodle products post-course creation, enabling the addition of a resource in an arbitrary 'Topic,' particularly a 'Database' with the type 'Text,' making 'Field name' and 'Field description' susceptible to XSS attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
Moodle versions 3.11, 3.10.4, and 3.9.7 are affected by CVE-2021-36568, making users of these versions vulnerable to XSS attacks.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the 'Field name' and 'Field description' values, which are not sanitized, allowing for unauthorized script execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section will cover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-36568.
Immediate Steps to Take
It is crucial to update Moodle to the latest patched version to address the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, users should validate input fields to prevent malicious script injection.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, regular security audits, and user input validation can help in preventing XSS vulnerabilities in Moodle and other web applications.
Patching and Updates
Regularly monitor Moodle security advisories and apply patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.