CVE-2023-28335 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-28335 was published on March 23, 2023, by Fedora. It addresses a vulnerability in the link to reset all templates of a database activity in Moodle that did not include the necessary token to prevent a CSRF risk.

Understanding CVE-2023-28335

This section will provide insights into what CVE-2023-28335 is and its impact, technical details, as well as mitigation and prevention strategies.

What is CVE-2023-28335?

CVE-2023-28335 refers to a vulnerability in Moodle, an open-source learning platform, where the link to reset all templates of a database activity lacked the essential token to mitigate CSRF risks. This oversight could potentially lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of an authenticated user.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28335

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could potentially allow an attacker to exploit the CSRF risk and perform actions on an unsuspecting user's behalf. This could lead to data manipulation, unauthorized access, or other malicious activities within the Moodle platform.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28335

Understanding the vulnerability in detail involves looking at the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-28335 lies in the oversight of including the necessary token in the link to reset all templates of a database activity in Moodle. This lack of proper token implementation exposes users to CSRF risks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system in this case is the Moodle platform, specifically versions 4.1 to 4.1.1. Users operating on these versions are susceptible to the CSRF risk due to the missing token in the link to reset database activity templates.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-28335 involves an attacker creating a malicious link or page that triggers unauthorized actions through the vulnerable link in Moodle. By enticing a user to click on the crafted link, the attacker can perform actions on the user's behalf due to the CSRF vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28335, it is crucial to take immediate steps, implement long-term security practices, and apply patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators of Moodle versions 4.1 to 4.1.1 should be vigilant and avoid clicking on unknown links or URLs within the platform. Ensuring secure browsing practices and being cautious with external links can mitigate the risk of CSRF exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strong user authentication mechanisms, regularly monitoring for suspicious activities, and conducting security audits can enhance the overall security posture of Moodle installations. Educating users about potential risks and safe browsing habits is essential for long-term security.

Patching and Updates

It is vital for Moodle users to stay updated with security patches and version upgrades provided by the platform. Applying patches promptly and keeping the system up-to-date can address known vulnerabilities like the CSRF risk associated with CVE-2023-28335.