CVE-2024-48901 is an improper authorization vulnerability identified in Moodle, a widely used open-source learning management system. The flaw exists in the access control logic governing the scheduling of reports. Specifically, the system fails to enforce sufficient permission checks to ensure that only users authorized to edit a report can access its schedule. This means that users with limited privileges, who should not have editing rights, can view or potentially manipulate the scheduling information of reports. The vulnerability affects Moodle versions 4.1.0 through 4.4.0. The CVSS v3.1 score is 4.3, indicating medium severity, with an attack vector over the network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting integrity but not confidentiality or availability. The improper authorization could lead to unauthorized changes in report schedules, potentially disrupting reporting workflows or causing confusion in educational or organizational contexts. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches are currently linked, suggesting that remediation is pending or in progress. The vulnerability was reserved in early October 2024 and published in November 2024. The issue highlights the importance of strict access control enforcement in multi-user systems, especially in environments like Moodle where different user roles coexist with varying permissions.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-48901 is on data integrity within Moodle's reporting functionality. Unauthorized users gaining access to report schedules can alter or disrupt the timing and management of reports, potentially causing operational confusion or incorrect reporting outcomes. While confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, the integrity compromise can undermine trust in the system's reporting accuracy. For educational institutions, this could affect grading reports, attendance tracking, or other critical administrative functions. Organizations relying on Moodle for compliance or audit reporting may face challenges if report schedules are manipulated. The requirement for at least some level of privileges limits the scope to authenticated users, but given Moodle's broad user base, this still represents a significant risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk of future exploitation. Overall, the vulnerability could lead to unauthorized modifications that impact organizational processes and decision-making based on report data.

To mitigate CVE-2024-48901, organizations should first monitor Moodle's official channels for patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. In the interim, administrators can implement stricter access control policies by reviewing and tightening user permissions related to report editing and scheduling. Custom code or plugins could be used to enforce additional authorization checks ensuring only users with explicit edit rights can access report schedules. Regular audits of user roles and permissions within Moodle can help identify and restrict unnecessary privileges. Network segmentation and monitoring of Moodle server access can reduce the risk of unauthorized exploitation. Additionally, educating users about the importance of safeguarding their credentials and promptly reporting suspicious activity can help mitigate insider threats. Finally, maintaining up-to-date backups of Moodle data ensures recovery options if report schedules are maliciously altered.