CVE-2025-3642: Moodle LMS EQUELLA Repository RCE Flaw

CVE-2025-3642 Overview

A remote code execution vulnerability has been identified in the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS), specifically within the EQUELLA repository integration. This flaw allows authenticated users with teacher or manager roles to execute arbitrary code on affected Moodle installations where the EQUELLA repository plugin is enabled.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers with teacher or manager privileges can achieve remote code execution on vulnerable Moodle servers, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement within educational networks.

Affected Products

• Moodle LMS (multiple versions with EQUELLA repository enabled)
• Moodle installations with EQUELLA repository plugin active
• Educational platforms running vulnerable Moodle configurations

Discovery Timeline

• April 25, 2025 - CVE-2025-3642 published to NVD
• June 24, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-3642

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as a Code Injection flaw (CWE-94), which occurs in the EQUELLA repository component of Moodle LMS. The EQUELLA repository is an optional integration that allows educators to search and retrieve content from EQUELLA digital repositories directly within Moodle.

The vulnerability requires low-privilege authentication (teacher or manager role), making it particularly concerning in educational environments where many users may have elevated teaching privileges. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary code on the underlying server, potentially compromising sensitive student data, course materials, and the broader infrastructure.

By default, the attack surface is limited to sites that have explicitly enabled the EQUELLA repository plugin. However, organizations using this integration for content management face significant risk of complete server compromise.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and code injection handling within the EQUELLA repository plugin. The flaw allows user-controlled input to be processed in an unsafe manner, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the Moodle application server.

This type of code injection vulnerability typically occurs when external input is not properly sanitized before being evaluated or executed, allowing attackers to break out of the intended data context and inject executable commands.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires an authenticated user with teacher or manager privileges. The exploitation path involves:

1. An attacker gains or already possesses teacher/manager credentials on a Moodle instance
2. The attacker identifies that the EQUELLA repository is enabled on the target system
3. Malicious input is crafted to exploit the code injection vulnerability
4. The payload is submitted through the EQUELLA repository interface
5. The server processes the malicious input, resulting in code execution with the privileges of the web server process

The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond the initial authentication, and the attacker can achieve full confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact on the affected system.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-3642

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual process execution originating from the web server process running Moodle
• Unexpected network connections initiated by the Moodle application server
• Anomalous file system changes in Moodle installation directories or system paths
• Suspicious activity logs related to the EQUELLA repository component

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Moodle application logs for unusual EQUELLA repository access patterns
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect code injection attempts
• Review authentication logs for suspicious teacher/manager account activity
• Enable file integrity monitoring on Moodle installation directories

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure centralized logging for all Moodle server activity
• Set up alerts for unexpected process spawning from web server processes
• Monitor outbound network connections from Moodle servers for command-and-control indicators
• Implement user behavior analytics for privileged Moodle accounts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-3642

Immediate Actions Required

• Disable the EQUELLA repository plugin if not actively required for operations
• Audit all teacher and manager accounts for unauthorized access
• Review recent EQUELLA repository activity logs for signs of exploitation
• Apply available security patches from Moodle immediately

Patch Information

Moodle has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the Moodle Security Advisory for specific patching instructions and affected version details. Additional information is available through Red Hat's CVE Advisory and Red Hat Bug Report #2359738.

Workarounds

• Disable the EQUELLA repository plugin in Moodle Site Administration if patching cannot be performed immediately
• Implement network segmentation to limit access to Moodle administrative interfaces
• Restrict teacher and manager role assignments to verified, trusted users only
• Apply additional access controls at the web server or reverse proxy level

# Disable EQUELLA repository plugin via Moodle CLI
php admin/cli/uninstall_plugins.php --plugins=repository_equella --run

# Alternatively, disable via config.php
# Add the following line to prevent plugin loading:
# $CFG->disabledplugins = 'repository_equella';