CVE-2004-0725 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in help.php in Moodle 1.3.2 and 1.4 dev allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the file parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0725 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that affected Moodle versions 1.3.2 and 1.4 development releases. This issue resides within the help.php script which processes user input through the file parameter without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create persistent security risks in web applications.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the file parameter in help.php to inject malicious script code or HTML content. When the vulnerable application processes this input and displays it without proper encoding or filtering, the injected code executes within the context of other users' browsers. This allows attackers to potentially steal session cookies, deface web pages, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The attack vector operates through standard web browser mechanisms where the malicious payload is rendered as part of the help page content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks within the Moodle environment. An attacker could exploit this flaw to escalate privileges, access restricted content, or compromise user accounts through session hijacking. The vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions using Moodle as their learning management system since it could allow unauthorized individuals to gain access to student records, course materials, or administrative functions. This risk is amplified by the fact that Moodle installations often contain sensitive academic data and personal information about users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0725 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is sanitized before being processed or displayed, particularly in dynamic content generation scenarios. The solution involves applying strict parameter validation to the file parameter in help.php, implementing proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content, and ensuring that the application follows secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and the necessity of following secure development lifecycle practices that incorporate input validation at all levels of application processing.