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CVE-2020-23996

8.8 HIGH
Remote Code Execution

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2020-23996 is a local file inclusion vulnerability in ILIAS e-learning platforms that allows remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code by importing malicious personal data. This affects ILIAS versions before 5.3.19, 5.4.10, and 6.0. Attackers need valid user credentials to exploit this vulnerability.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • ILIAS Learning Management System
Versions: Versions before 5.3.19, 5.4.10, and 6.0
Operating Systems: All platforms running ILIAS
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Requires authenticated user access; affects all ILIAS installations within the vulnerable version range.

📦 What is this software?

Ilias by Ilias

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Ilias by Ilias

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⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement within the network.

🟠

Likely Case

Unauthorized file access, data exfiltration, and potential privilege escalation within the ILIAS application.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper authentication controls and file upload restrictions in place.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - ILIAS platforms are typically internet-facing educational systems accessible to authenticated users.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal users with valid credentials could exploit this vulnerability.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires authenticated access and knowledge of the personal data import functionality.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 5.3.19, 5.4.10, or 6.0 and later

Vendor Advisory: https://docu.ilias.de/goto_docu_pg_118817_35.html

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Backup your ILIAS installation and database. 2. Download the patched version from the official ILIAS repository. 3. Follow the ILIAS upgrade documentation for your specific version. 4. Verify the patch by checking the version number in the administration interface.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Personal Data Import

all

Temporarily disable the personal data import functionality for all users.

Navigate to Administration > User Management > Settings > Disable 'Personal Data Import' feature

Restrict User Permissions

all

Limit personal data import capabilities to trusted administrators only.

Modify role permissions to remove 'import personal data' from regular user roles

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all file upload and import operations
  • Deploy web application firewall rules to detect and block local file inclusion attempts

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check your ILIAS version in the administration interface or by examining the ILIAS installation files.

Check Version:

Check the ILIAS administration interface or examine the version.txt file in the ILIAS root directory.

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify the version number shows 5.3.19, 5.4.10, or 6.0+ in the administration dashboard.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual file import activities
  • Multiple failed import attempts
  • Suspicious file paths in import logs

Network Indicators:

  • Unexpected outbound connections following import operations
  • Large data transfers after personal data imports

SIEM Query:

source="ilias_logs" AND (event="personal_data_import" AND (file_path CONTAINS "../" OR file_path CONTAINS "/etc/"))

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2020-23996
CVSS v3 Score: 8.8 (HIGH)
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Published: May 13, 2021
Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

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