CVE-2022-35650 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2022-35650 pertains to a vulnerability discovered in Moodle, leading to arbitrary file read risk due to an input validation error when importing lesson questions. Attackers can exploit this flaw to perform directory traversal attacks on affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2022-35650

CVE-2022-35650 is a vulnerability found in Moodle that poses a significant security risk to the platform and its users.

What is CVE-2022-35650?

The vulnerability in Moodle results from an input validation error during the import of lesson questions. This flaw allows remote attackers to conduct directory traversal attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files.

The Impact of CVE-2022-35650

The vulnerability exposes affected Moodle instances to arbitrary file read risk, enabling attackers to traverse directories and potentially access confidential information stored on the system. The feature where this vulnerability exists is typically accessible to teachers, managers, and administrators by default.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-35650

Here are the specifics of the technical aspects surrounding CVE-2022-35650:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Moodle stems from insufficient path checks, leading to a path traversal vulnerability that could be exploited for unauthorized file access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Moodle versions affected by this vulnerability include Moodle 4.0.2, Moodle 3.11.8, and Moodle 3.9.15. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with access to the lesson questions import feature can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files on the Moodle server, potentially compromising sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-35650 and enhance the security posture of Moodle instances, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary security patches provided by Moodle to fix the vulnerability.
Restrict access to the lesson questions import feature to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Moodle to the latest version to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched promptly.
Educate administrators, teachers, and managers on cybersecurity best practices to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by Moodle to swiftly address emerging vulnerabilities and protect your system.