CVE-2022-45149 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2022-45149, a vulnerability in Moodle allowing attackers to perform cross-site request forgery attacks. Understand the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability was discovered in Moodle that allows remote attackers to perform cross-site request forgery attacks by tricking users into visiting a specially crafted web page. This CVE affects Moodle versions up to 3.9.18 and 3.11.11, but it has been fixed in version 4.0.5.
Understanding CVE-2022-45149
This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of the CVE.
What is CVE-2022-45149?
The vulnerability in Moodle stemmed from insufficient validation of the HTTP request origin in course redirect URLs. By including a user's CSRF token in the URL during course restoration, attackers could exploit this flaw to perform actions on the vulnerable website.
The Impact of CVE-2022-45149
The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to engage in cross-site request forgery attacks on affected Moodle instances.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-45149
Here, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability and its implications.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from the improper validation of the HTTP request origin in course redirect URLs, enabling attackers to forge requests.
Affected Systems and Versions
Moodle versions up to 3.9.18 and 3.11.11 are affected by this vulnerability, with version 4.0.5 containing the necessary fix.
Exploitation Mechanism
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by enticing users to access a maliciously crafted webpage, leading to unauthorized actions on the vulnerable Moodle instance.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2022-45149.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users and administrators are advised to update their Moodle installations to version 4.0.5 or apply relevant patches to address this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement robust CSRF protection mechanisms and regularly update Moodle to prevent similar security issues in the future.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by Moodle to maintain a secure environment.