CVE-2022-40316 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A SQL injection vulnerability in Moodle versions 4.0 to 4.0.3, 3.11 to 3.11.9, and 3.9 to 3.9.16 allows non-editing teachers to access information in the H5P activity attempts report.

Understanding CVE-2022-40316

This CVE pertains to a security flaw in Moodle that could potentially expose sensitive data to unauthorized users.

What is CVE-2022-40316?

The vulnerability in the H5P activity attempts report of Moodle allows users with limited permissions to view information they shouldn't have access to, resulting in a breach of confidentiality.

The Impact of CVE-2022-40316

The SQL injection flaw enables non-editing teachers to gain insights into attempts and users in groups they are not authorized to access, compromising user privacy and data integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-40316

This section provides insight into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The H5P activity attempts report in affected Moodle versions fails to filter by groups, leading to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Moodle versions 4.0 to 4.0.3, 3.11 to 3.11.9, and 3.9 to 3.9.16, as well as earlier unsupported versions, are vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves leveraging SQL injection techniques to bypass access restrictions and view confidential data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2022-40316 involves immediate steps as well as long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Moodle to a patched version, restrict access to sensitive reports, and monitor for any unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict user permission controls, regular security audits, and user awareness training can help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for Moodle and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.