2013-12-30 Instructure Advisory IAC23141 - Username Harvesting

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SECURITY UPDATE

Release Date:	2013-12-30 (Last update can be found below the document title)
Description:	Username Harvesting
Criticality Level:	Moderately Critical ( Less Critical < Critical < Moderately Critical < Highly Critical )
Impact:	Exposure of Sensitive Information
Systems Affected:	Canvas LMS
Solution Status:	Patched
Discovered By:	Secure Ideas https://www.secureideas.com/
Relevant Changesets:	https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms/commit/9c223456101a0cbf975f19af06f5ff17be906c52

Summary:

A username harvesting vulnerability was reported by a third party. This vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to discover what usernames are valid Canvas accounts, narrowing the required scope of a second attack.

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.

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.