CVE-2014-0125 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
repository/alfresco/lib.php in Moodle through 2.3.11, 2.4.x before 2.4.9, 2.5.x before 2.5.5, and 2.6.x before 2.6.2 places a session key in a URL, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended Alfresco Repository file restrictions by impersonating a file's owner.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
This vulnerability exists in Moodle's Alfresco repository integration component where session keys are embedded directly into URLs, creating a critical security flaw that undermines access controls. The issue affects Moodle versions up to 2.3.11, 2.4.x before 2.4.9, 2.5.x before 2.5.5, and 2.6.x before 2.6.2, representing a widespread problem across multiple release branches. The flaw stems from improper session management where authentication tokens are exposed in the URL parameters rather than being handled securely through proper session mechanisms. This design decision creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate URL parameters and gain unauthorized access to files that should be restricted to specific users or roles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the lib.php file in Moodle's Alfresco repository module which generates URLs containing session identifiers. When these URLs are constructed, they include the session key as a parameter, making it visible to anyone who can observe network traffic or access web server logs. This exposure allows remote attackers to construct malicious URLs with valid session tokens, effectively impersonating legitimate users and bypassing the intended file access restrictions imposed by the Alfresco repository. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-200, which covers information exposure through improper error handling, and CWE-384, which addresses session management flaws in web applications. Attackers can exploit this by intercepting URLs, extracting session tokens, and constructing new URLs to access files they should not be authorized to view, fundamentally compromising the security model of the integrated repository system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate their privileges and access sensitive educational content within the Moodle learning management system. Since Alfresco repositories typically contain course materials, assignments, and administrative documents, the exposure of session keys in URLs creates a significant risk for data breaches and intellectual property theft. The vulnerability also affects the principle of least privilege, as legitimate users may inadvertently expose their session tokens through URL sharing or bookmarking, creating additional attack vectors. Organizations using Moodle with Alfresco integration face potential compliance violations and data loss incidents, particularly in educational environments where student privacy and academic integrity are paramount. The attack surface is further expanded because these session tokens can be reused across different contexts, potentially allowing attackers to access multiple files or even escalate their privileges within the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Moodle installations to versions that properly handle session management without exposing tokens in URLs. Organizations should implement URL filtering and monitoring to detect and block URLs containing session identifiers, while also configuring web application firewalls to prevent session token leakage. The recommended approach involves modifying the Alfresco repository integration to use secure session handling mechanisms that do not embed session keys in URLs, instead relying on proper HTTP headers or secure cookie-based authentication. Network administrators should also implement comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect unusual URL patterns or session token usage that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through social engineering, making it critical to implement both technical and administrative controls. Organizations should also conduct security awareness training for administrators to prevent accidental exposure of session tokens through improper URL sharing practices, while implementing proper access control lists and regular security audits of repository integrations to ensure continued protection against similar vulnerabilities.