CVE-2014-0127 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
The time-validation implementation in (1) mod/feedback/complete.php and (2) mod/feedback/complete_guest.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 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended restrictions on starting a Feedback activity by choosing an unavailable time.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0127 represents a critical access control flaw within the Moodle learning management system that affects multiple version branches including 2.3.11, 2.4.x through 2.4.8, 2.5.x through 2.5.4, and 2.6.x through 2.6.1. This issue resides in the feedback module's time validation mechanisms within two specific files: mod/feedback/complete.php and mod/feedback/complete_guest.php. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of time constraints that govern when users can access and submit feedback activities within the platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to manipulate time-based access restrictions by selecting unavailable time periods for feedback submissions. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a weakness in the input validation and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the time validation logic that should prevent users from accessing feedback activities outside their designated time windows, enabling attackers to bypass these intended restrictions through careful manipulation of time parameters during the feedback completion process.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for educational institutions using Moodle platforms. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to feedback activities that should be restricted based on time constraints, potentially allowing them to submit feedback outside of proper time windows, access restricted content, or manipulate feedback data. The implications extend beyond simple access control as this could affect the integrity and authenticity of feedback data collected through the platform, particularly in scenarios where time-based access is critical for maintaining proper academic procedures and data governance.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference) and CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) classifications, representing a combination of access control weakness and improper input validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could leverage authenticated access to exploit time-based restrictions, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data manipulation. The impact is particularly concerning in educational environments where feedback systems are used for student evaluations, course assessments, and institutional data collection.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched versions of Moodle where the time validation logic has been corrected, reviewing and strengthening access control policies, and implementing additional monitoring for unusual feedback submission patterns. The fix typically involves strengthening the time validation implementation to properly validate all time-related parameters and ensure that unauthorized time selections cannot bypass the intended access restrictions. Security teams should also conduct thorough reviews of similar time-based access controls across other modules within Moodle to identify potential related vulnerabilities.