CVE-2025-63564 in Socialwall Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2026
SQL injection vulnerability in Moodle Socialwall plugin v.3.0 through v.3.3 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via crafted HTTP requests
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2026
The identified security flaw resides within the Moodle Socialwall plugin, specifically affecting versions 3.0 through 3.3. This component is designed to facilitate social interaction features within the Moodle learning management system by allowing users to post and view content on a shared wall interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing user-supplied data submitted via HTTP requests. Specifically, the application fails to properly escape special characters or utilize parameterized queries before incorporating this input into backend database operations. This oversight creates a classic SQL injection vector that permits an unauthenticated attacker to interfere with the queries that the application makes to its underlying database.
From a technical perspective, the core issue is categorized under CWE-89, which defines Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. When an attacker crafts specific HTTP requests containing maliciously formatted SQL syntax, the vulnerable code executes this input directly within the database engine without sufficient filtering. This allows the injection of arbitrary commands that can manipulate the intended logic of the query. While the initial description mentions arbitrary code execution, it is important to clarify that in the context of a standard SQL injection vulnerability, the primary mechanism involves manipulating data retrieval or modification rather than direct operating system command execution unless specific database configurations such as xp_cmdshell are enabled and accessible. However, the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands provides the attacker with significant leverage over the application's data layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for unauthenticated exploitation. An attacker does not need valid credentials or a user session to initiate an attack against the vulnerable endpoints. By sending crafted HTTP requests, the adversary can extract sensitive information stored in the Moodle database, such as administrator usernames and password hashes, which compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire learning management system. Furthermore, depending on the specific SQL dialect and configuration, the attacker may be able to modify or delete existing data, potentially disrupting educational activities or altering course structures. In worst-case scenarios where the database user has high privileges, this could lead to a complete compromise of the server hosting the Moodle instance, effectively granting full control over the system infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly T1190 which covers Exploit Public-Facing Application. The attack vector relies on leveraging publicly accessible web services to execute malicious code or extract data without prior authentication. Additionally, if the attacker proceeds to dump database contents for credential harvesting, it falls under T1078 Valid Accounts and potentially T1530 Data from Cloud Storage if sensitive files are accessed via the compromised system. The lack of input sanitization represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices that is common in older or poorly maintained plugins within open-source ecosystems like Moodle.
To mitigate this risk, immediate action is required to update the Socialwall plugin to a version newer than 3.3 where these issues have been addressed by the developers. Administrators should ensure they are running the latest stable release available from official repositories. In addition to updating software, implementing Web Application Firewalls can provide an additional layer of defense by detecting and blocking common SQL injection patterns in HTTP traffic. It is also critical to enforce strict input validation on all user-facing forms and to utilize prepared statements with parameterized queries in any custom code or plugin development associated with the platform. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities across other installed plugins, ensuring a robust defense-in-depth strategy for the Moodle environment.