Moodle Jmol Filter Local File Inclusion Scanner

The Moodle Jmol Filter is part of the Moodle platform used in educational institutions to render molecular structures. Typically, it is employed by educators and students for interactive learning in courses involving chemistry or physics. This plugin enables visualization and manipulation of 3D molecular models, making complex concepts more comprehensible. The filter is widely used because it facilitates a deeper understanding of molecular interactions and structures. However, like many add-ons, it requires careful configuration to prevent exploitation. Proper management and regular updates are crucial in maintaining the security of the Moodle platform.

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to include files on a server through a web browser. This is often used to view sensitive files such as configuration files or to execute code by including files that the server normally wouldn't expose. LFI vulnerabilities can occur in applications that explicitly rely on user input to define paths to files on a system, which makes robust input validation paramount in preventing unauthorized file access. Exploiting an LFI vulnerability can lead to serious breaches including sensitive information disclosure and further system compromise.

The technical details of the vulnerability include a specific endpoint vulnerable to exploitation: "/filter/jmol/js/jsmol/php/jsmol.php". The parameter "call" in the endpoint is leveraged to insert the path to sensitive system files, effectively allowing an attacker to retrieve files such as "/etc/passwd" on Unix systems. This endpoint, if not properly sanitized, permits unauthorized users to traverse the file system, reaching beyond the web server's intended file access. System validators must ensure only legitimate files are accessible and to restrict path inclusion to predefined directories.

If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, resulting in potential data leaks. Attackers might escalate privileges by analyzing the information from these files, possibly compromising the entire system. Additionally, the disclosure of sensitive configuration files can lead to an even broader attack vector, introducing threats such as credential recovery or system hijacking. Organizations must consider the implications of an LFI and enforce strict security measures to minimize risk.

REFERENCES

• https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46881