2013-01-14 Instructure Advisory IAC39258 - Rails JSON Parsing Vulnerability

485

SECURITY UPDATE

Release Date:	2013-01-14 (Last update can be found below the document title)
Description:	SQL Query Modification Attack in Rails Library
Criticality Level:	Highly Critical ( Less Critical < Critical < Moderately Critical < Highly Critical )
Impact:	Manipulation of data Exposure of sensitive information
Systems Affected:	Canvas LMS
Solution Status:	Patched
Discovered By:	-
Relevant Changesets:	https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms/commit/784d9bce6dd627364cf2a8156d64128ceb0fad67

Summary:

A JSON parameter parsing vulnerability was discovered in the Ruby on Rails 2.3.x library that Canvas uses. No attack vector against Canvas is verified, but Canvas CV users are still encouraged to update immediately. Further information is available at

https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rubyonrails-security/c7jT-EeN9eI/discussion

Status:

Fixed in Canvas Cloud. Users of Canvas CV are encouraged to either update to the most recent stable code or apply the patch manually immediately.

About

Bio

Jordan has had various roles in the ed tech software (SAAS) industry for the past 9 years. (almost 5 years with Instructure). In his previous company he was a Client Services Manager for two years (responsible for account management, implementation, project management, and training, for each of his customers). After a year and a half he was commissioned to build a training department, all policies and procedures, and deliver training for all customers. Over the past eight years he has been in charge of conceiving, producing and deploying eLearning initiatives and strategies. He has trained over 3,000 adult learners with a wide range of technical aptitude, including K-12 Teachers, Principals, Administrators, Superintendents, Higher Ed Professors, Doctors, CTO’s, and Corporate Business Professionals and Executives. Jordan is an instructional designer and Community Manager for Instructure with a focus on connecting Canvas users with tools and resources that will help them get excited about and become proficient in utilizing the Canvas Learning Platform.