CVE-2011-4581 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
mod/wiki/pagelib.php in Moodle 2.0.x before 2.0.6 and 2.1.x before 2.1.3 allows remote authenticated users to discover the username of a wiki creator by visiting the history and deletion user interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4581 resides within the Moodle learning management system's wiki module, specifically in the pagelib.php file. This issue affects Moodle versions 2.0.x prior to 2.0.6 and 2.1.x prior to 2.1.3, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that undermines the system's user privacy and security posture. The vulnerability manifests when authenticated users access specific wiki history and deletion interfaces, enabling them to extract username information that should remain confidential.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient access control and input validation within the wiki module's user interface components. When users navigate to the history and deletion sections of wiki pages, the system fails to properly restrict access to user identification information. This occurs because the pagelib.php script does not adequately verify user permissions before displaying creator information, allowing any authenticated user to potentially discover the identity of wiki page creators through indirect means within the interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential risks for user privacy and system integrity. Attackers can exploit this weakness to build profiles of wiki contributors, potentially enabling social engineering attacks or targeted phishing attempts. The vulnerability affects all authenticated users within the Moodle environment, meaning that any legitimate user with access to the system can leverage this flaw to gather intelligence about other users' activities and contributions. This information disclosure can be particularly damaging in educational or corporate settings where user privacy and confidentiality are paramount.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1087.001, which involves account discovery through system information discovery. Organizations using affected Moodle versions face increased risk of targeted attacks and privacy violations, as the disclosure of wiki creator information can reveal internal collaboration patterns, user roles, and activity relationships. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor interface design flaws can create significant security implications, particularly when dealing with user identification data within educational platforms.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Moodle versions 2.0.6 or 2.1.3, which contain the necessary patches to address the access control issues in the pagelib.php file. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while conducting regular security audits of their learning management systems. Additionally, administrators should review user permissions and implement the principle of least privilege to minimize potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The patch addresses the core issue by strengthening access validation mechanisms and ensuring that user identification information remains properly restricted within the wiki module's history and deletion interfaces, thereby protecting user privacy and maintaining the integrity of the educational platform's security architecture.