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CVE-2023-23923 : Security Advisory and Response

Learn about CVE-2023-23923, a significant Moodle vulnerability enabling unauthorized access to restricted functionalities. Understand its impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability discovered in Moodle, which stems from inadequate restrictions on the "start page" preference. The vulnerability enables a remote attacker to manipulate this preference for another user, leading to unauthorized access to typically restricted functionalities.

Understanding CVE-2023-23923

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-23923, shedding light on its nature, impact, and technical details.

What is CVE-2023-23923?

CVE-2023-23923 is a security flaw identified in Moodle, an open-source learning platform widely used for educational purposes. The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper restrictions on the "start page" preference within the platform. Exploiting this vulnerability allows a remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to functionalities that are typically restricted to certain users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23923

The impact of CVE-2023-23923 is significant as it opens the door for unauthorized access to confidential information and functionalities within Moodle. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can potentially compromise the integrity and confidentiality of data stored on the platform. Educational institutions using affected versions of Moodle are particularly at risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23923

In this section, we delve deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-23923, including vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Moodle (CVE-2023-23923) is categorized under CWE-284 - Improper Access Control. It stems from the lack of adequate limitations on the "start page" preference, allowing a remote attacker to manipulate this setting for another user and gain unauthorized access to restricted functionalities.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Moodle versions 4.1, 4.0 to 4.0.5, 3.11 to 3.11.11, and 3.9 to 3.9.18. The issue has been addressed in versions 4.1.1, 4.0.6, 3.11.12, and 3.9.19, with fixes aimed at mitigating the risk posed by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-23923, a remote attacker needs to manipulate the "start page" preference of another user within Moodle. By setting this preference maliciously, the attacker can bypass access restrictions and gain unauthorized entry to functionalities that are typically restricted, potentially leading to data breaches and privacy violations.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines essential steps to mitigate the impact of CVE-2023-23923 and prevent unauthorized access to Moodle instances.

Immediate Steps to Take

        Organizations using affected versions of Moodle should apply the available patches promptly to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-23923.
        Users are advised to monitor Moodle's official channels for security updates and apply them as soon as they are released to ensure the platform's security.

Long-Term Security Practices

        Implementing robust access control mechanisms and user permissions within Moodle can help prevent unauthorized access to critical functionalities.
        Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are essential to identify and address potential security gaps within the Moodle platform proactively.

Patching and Updates

        Organizations should regularly update their Moodle installations to the latest stable versions to ensure that security patches addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23923 are applied promptly.
        Timely implementation of security updates and patches is crucial to maintaining the integrity and security of Moodle environments and safeguarding sensitive educational data.

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