Moodle: Arbitrary file read risk through pdfTeX (CVE-2025-26525)
A vulnerability in Moodle's TeX notation filter allows arbitrary file reading on systems where pdfTeX is available, such as those with TeX Live installed. This occurs due to insufficient sanitization of input. Multiple Moodle versions are affected, and patches have been released to address the issue.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-26525 describes an arbitrary file read vulnerability in Moodle caused by insufficient sanitizing in the TeX notation filter. This flaw enables an attacker to read arbitrary files on Moodle sites where pdfTeX is installed and accessible. The issue affects Moodle versions 4.1.0 through before 4.1.16, 4.3.0 through before 4.3.10, 4.4.0 through before 4.4.6, and 4.5.0 through before 4.5.2. A patch is available as referenced in the Moodle Git repository under commit MDL-84136.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to read arbitrary files on the server hosting Moodle, potentially exposing sensitive information. The vulnerability requires that pdfTeX is available on the server, which is common when TeX Live is installed. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available and should be applied to affected Moodle versions. Administrators should update to Moodle versions 4.1.16 or later, 4.3.10 or later, 4.4.6 or later, or 4.5.2 or later as appropriate. Refer to the official Moodle Git commit MDL-84136 for the patch details.
Moodle: Arbitrary file read risk through pdfTeX (CVE-2025-26525)
Description
A vulnerability in Moodle's TeX notation filter allows arbitrary file reading on systems where pdfTeX is available, such as those with TeX Live installed. This occurs due to insufficient sanitization of input. Multiple Moodle versions are affected, and patches have been released to address the issue.
Affected software
pkg:bitnami/moodleRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-26525 describes an arbitrary file read vulnerability in Moodle caused by insufficient sanitizing in the TeX notation filter. This flaw enables an attacker to read arbitrary files on Moodle sites where pdfTeX is installed and accessible. The issue affects Moodle versions 4.1.0 through before 4.1.16, 4.3.0 through before 4.3.10, 4.4.0 through before 4.4.6, and 4.5.0 through before 4.5.2. A patch is available as referenced in the Moodle Git repository under commit MDL-84136.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to read arbitrary files on the server hosting Moodle, potentially exposing sensitive information. The vulnerability requires that pdfTeX is available on the server, which is common when TeX Live is installed. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available and should be applied to affected Moodle versions. Administrators should update to Moodle versions 4.1.16 or later, 4.3.10 or later, 4.4.6 or later, or 4.5.2 or later as appropriate. Refer to the official Moodle Git commit MDL-84136 for the patch details.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BIT-moodle-2025-26525
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.6.2
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2025-26525"]
- Ecosystems
- ["Bitnami"]
- Database Specific Severity
- High
Patch Information
Threat ID: 6aa00612acd9273b49ab73b9
Added to database: 09/08/2026, 12:56:50 UTC
Last enriched: 09/08/2026, 13:42:15 UTC
Last updated: 09/10/2026, 19:36:49 UTC
Views: 13
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