A flaw was found in Moodle. Additional restrictions are required to avoid a remote code execution risk in calculated question types. This vulnerability allows attackers with the capability to add or update questions to exploit the system. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.1, classifying it as high severity.
The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and potential data compromise, making this vulnerability critical to address. Given its high exploitability and the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, an exploit for this vulnerability is available, which increases the urgency for defenders to implement security measures. Organizations using affected versions of Moodle should take immediate actions to safeguard their systems.
Given the nature of the vulnerability and its implications, it is essential that organizations not only patch but also review their configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-43425 involves insufficient restrictions in Moodle's calculated question types, which can lead to remote code execution. The official CVE description notes that this flaw requires the capability to add or update questions.
With a CVSS score of 8.1, categorized under CVSS 3.1, it indicates a high severity level due to the potential for significant impact on the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the system.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, indicating a code injection issue. Organizations using Moodle versions prior to the vendor's patch are at risk.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from a lack of sufficient restrictions in the way Moodle handles calculated questions. Attackers may leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code remotely.
The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity is considered high, as it requires specific privileges that are typically granted to users who can add or update questions. User interaction is not required for exploitation.
The impacts of exploitation include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, as successful attacks could compromise sensitive data, alter system operations, and disrupt services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations deploying Moodle face significant risks due to this vulnerability. The potential for remote code execution means that an attacker could gain control over affected systems, leading to unauthorized data access, data loss, or service disruption.
The blast radius for this vulnerability could be extensive, impacting not just individual installations but potentially affecting entire networks if exploited. Given the CVSS score of 8.1, organizations should assess their risk exposure and prioritize remediation efforts.
Considering the current exploit availability, organizations must act swiftly to implement mitigations and updates. The urgency for action is underscored by the high exploitability of this vulnerability.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The versions of Moodle affected by this vulnerability include:
All versions prior to vendor patch, specifically versions before 4.1.12, 4.2.0 to 4.2.8, 4.3.0 to 4.3.5, and 4.4.0 to 4.4.1 are vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Moodle. Upgrading to the patched versions is critical to preventing exploitation.
Where patches are not available, it is recommended to implement configuration hardening by restricting question updates and limiting user capabilities.
Monitoring user activities and configuring network controls to detect potential exploitation attempts can also enhance security.
For further assistance on security testing and vulnerability management, consider engaging in penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual activity related to question updates, particularly from users who should not have such permissions. Additionally, any behavioral anomalies that suggest unauthorized access should be flagged for review.
Network signatures and intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on patterns indicative of exploitation attempts for this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-43425 highlights the ongoing risks associated with insufficient input validation in web applications. This vulnerability serves as a reminder for security teams to continuously assess and enhance their security postures.
It reflects a pattern of vulnerabilities that allow for remote code execution, emphasizing the necessity for rigorous code reviews and security testing practices.
To stay ahead of threats, organizations should invest in proactive measures, including regular security assessments, continuous monitoring, and incident response training.
For more insights on vulnerability management and security testing, explore our resources, including the vulnerability management program and our guide on penetration testing methodology for best practices.
Known Exploitation Timeline
As of now, there are no records of this vulnerability being actively exploited in the wild, but the presence of known exploits in public repositories signals a need for vigilance.
EPSS Risk Context
The EPSS score for CVE-2024-43425 is 0.889, placing it in the 99.5th percentile. This indicates a high probability of exploitation, underscoring the need for immediate action to address the vulnerability.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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