CVE-2025-34031 Scanner

Moodle Jmol Filter is an essential component designed for integrating molecular visualization capabilities into Moodle-based learning environments. Widely used by educational institutions, it enables educators to provide interactive scientific content for students. The filter facilitates embedding of interactive 3D models, enhancing the learning experience in subjects such as chemistry and biology. By utilizing the Jmol and JSmol frameworks within Moodle, the Jmol Filter provides an interactive platform for students to engage with molecular structures. Institutions leveraging this tool seek to enrich educational content with dynamic and interactive scientific visualizations. It serves as a bridge between traditional educational methods and interactive digital learning.

The vulnerability in focus is Local File Inclusion (LFI), which is a severe security flaw that arises when software improperly handles user input. This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to include files located on the local server through the web application's interface. It is a common vulnerability in web applications that can lead to significant security breaches. Attackers leveraging LFI can read restricted files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive data. This vulnerability poses a high risk, as it requires minimal effort to exploit and can lead to further attacks if not mitigated promptly. It shows the critical importance of validating and sanitizing user input in web applications.

The Moodle Jmol Filter 6.1 is vulnerable to LFI due to insufficient input validation in the jsmol.php file. The file, accessed through a GET request, allows malicious actors to traverse directories and include files outside the expected directory structure. The vulnerable endpoint is '/filter/jmol/js/jsmol/php/jsmol.php', specifically the 'call' parameter, which can be exploited by providing a crafted query. By manipulating this parameter, attackers can craft requests that trick the system into loading unintended files. This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to sensitive files like '/etc/passwd', exposing critical information. Ensuring secure coding practices could have prevented this vulnerability, highlighting the importance of routine security assessments.

When exploited, this vulnerability can have multiple severe consequences for affected systems. One of the primary risks is the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive internal files, which could include system configuration files and passwords. Such an exploit may also serve as a foothold for further attacks, such as privilege escalation. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to map the directory structure of the server, aiding in other malicious activities. It also enables potential combined attacks, like using retrieved passwords for unauthorized access, or planting malicious files for remote code execution. Ultimately, the exploitation of this vulnerability could severely compromise the security and integrity of the affected Moodle environments.

REFERENCES

• https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46881
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-34031