CVE-2022-40313 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-40313, a vulnerability found in Moodle that could lead to a stored XSS risk.

Understanding CVE-2022-40313

CVE-2022-40313 is a vulnerability in Moodle that stems from recursive rendering of Mustache template helpers containing user input. This flaw could result in an XSS risk or cause a page to fail to load.

What is CVE-2022-40313?

The vulnerability in Moodle, tracked as CVE-2022-40313, allows for recursive rendering of Mustache template helpers with user input, potentially leading to stored XSS attacks. Moodle versions 4.0 to 4.0.3, 3.11 to 3.11.9, 3.9 to 3.9.16, and earlier unsupported versions are affected.

The Impact of CVE-2022-40313

The impact of CVE-2022-40313 is significant as it can expose user data to malicious actors, enabling them to execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions within the Moodle platform.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-40313

The technical details of CVE-2022-40313 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the recursive rendering of Mustache template helpers containing user input, posing a risk of stored XSS attacks within Moodle instances.

Affected Systems and Versions

Moodle versions 4.0 to 4.0.3, 3.11 to 3.11.9, 3.9 to 3.9.16, and earlier unsupported versions are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by injecting crafted input into the Mustache template helpers, leading to stored XSS risks and potential page loading failures.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-40313 in Moodle, users and administrators should take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Moodle to the latest patched version to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor Moodle security advisories for any upcoming patches or fixes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user input effectively.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates released by Moodle promptly to ensure that known security vulnerabilities are addressed and system integrity is maintained.