CVE-2014-0216 in Moodle
Summary
by MITRE
The My Home implementation in the block_html_pluginfile function in blocks/html/lib.php in Moodle through 2.3.11, 2.4.x before 2.4.10, 2.5.x before 2.5.6, and 2.6.x before 2.6.3 does not properly restrict file access, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by visiting an HTML block.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0216 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Moodle learning management system that affects multiple versions from 2.3.11 through 2.6.2. This issue resides in the block_html_pluginfile function located in blocks/html/lib.php, which is responsible for handling file operations within HTML blocks. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file access permissions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that traverse the file system to access sensitive files that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically impacts the My Home implementation where HTML blocks are rendered, allowing unauthorized access to files that may contain sensitive data such as user credentials, system configurations, or private course materials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the intended directory, by manipulating variables that reference files with "dot-dot-slash" sequences and their variations. The attack vector operates through the block_html_pluginfile function which processes file requests without sufficient validation of the requested file paths. When an attacker visits an HTML block containing maliciously crafted file references, the function fails to properly sanitize the input parameters, enabling access to arbitrary files on the server. This represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization where the system does not properly validate or restrict the file paths that can be accessed through the HTML block functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0216 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors. Organizations running affected Moodle versions face significant risks including unauthorized access to user data, potential privilege escalation, and exposure of sensitive system information that could aid in further attacks. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of HTML blocks on the My Home page, which is frequently used by administrators and instructors to display custom content, making it a high-value target for attackers. The widespread use of Moodle across educational institutions, corporations, and government organizations means that exploitation of this vulnerability could have far-reaching consequences, potentially affecting thousands of users and institutions that were running vulnerable versions of the platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0216 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Moodle installations to the latest available versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Moodle systems to untrusted networks. The security community recommends enabling proper file access controls and implementing input validation measures to prevent path traversal attacks. Additionally, administrators should conduct regular security audits of their Moodle installations, review file permissions, and monitor for suspicious access patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as attackers may use the information disclosed to gain further access or craft targeted attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security training for administrators and developers on secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future customizations or third-party plugins.