Moodle
CVE-2026-26045
HIGH
GHSA-ggxq-2mg9-8966
Attack ChainAIDerived
Hypothetical attack flow derived from CVE metadata – not a confirmed exploit chain
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AccessAuthenticate as admin/teacher
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DeliveryUpload malicious backup file
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ExploitRestore backup without validation
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ExecutionExecute arbitrary server-side code
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ImpactCompromise Moodle server
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A05:2025 - Injection
ASVS 5.0
V1 - Encoding and Sanitization Code injection prevention, sandbox exec
MITRE ATT&CK
2 techniques across 2 tactics: Execution, Initial Access The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up. |
| Exploitation Conditions | Authenticated access with backup restore privileges (admin or teacher role) on Moodle installation with backup restore functionality enabled. Attacker must have permissions to upload and restore backup files. |
| Impact | CVSS 7.2 (HIGH). Attack vector: Network. Complexity: Low. Privileges required: High. User interaction: None. Exploitation requires authentication. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker (requires authentication) could exploit this vulnerability to unintended execution of server-side code. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 12, 2026
Moodle's backup restore function fails to properly validate malicious backup files, allowing authenticated administrators to achieve remote code execution through crafted file processing. An attacker with restore privileges can exploit this code injection vulnerability to fully compromise the Moodle server. No patch is currently available.
Earlier versions of this analysis (1)
A flaw was identified in Moodle’s backup restore functionality where specially crafted backup files were not properly validated during processing. If a malicious backup file is restored, it could lead to unintended execution of server-side code. [CVSS 7.2 HIGH]
RemediationAI
Monitor vendor advisories for a patch. Restrict network access to the affected service where possible.
Affected Packages
Source: OSV (Open Source Vulnerabilities)
Affects your stack
Affects 1 package in composer
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
Classified as CWE-94 (Code Injection). Affects Moodle. A flaw was identified in Moodle’s backup restore functionality where specially crafted backup files were not properly validated during processing. If a malicious backup file is restored, it could lead to unintended execution of server-side code. Since restore capabilities are typically available to privileged users, exploitation requires authenticated access. Successful exploitation could result in full compromise of the Moodle server.
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- Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources
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Severity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorNVD
Lifecycle Timeline
2DescriptionCVE.org
A flaw was identified in Moodle’s backup restore functionality where specially crafted backup files were not properly validated during processing. If a malicious backup file is restored, it could lead to unintended execution of server-side code. Since restore capabilities are typically available to privileged users, exploitation requires authenticated access. Successful exploitation could result in full compromise of the Moodle server.
Executive ViewAI
CVE-2026-26045 affects Moodle's backup restore functionality, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code on educational infrastructure through specially crafted backup files. This vulnerability poses a direct threat to the confidentiality and integrity of student data, course materials, and institutional systems, particularly for organizations relying on Moodle for learning management.
Restrict backup restore operations to a limited set of trusted administrators with additional authentication; implement WAF rules to monitor and block suspicious backup file uploads; disable automatic backup restoration; require manual code review of backup file contents before processing; isolate Moodle instances performing backup restoration on segregated network segments; implement strict file type validation and size restrictions; enable comprehensive logging and alerting on all backup-related activities.
Threat Intelligence Overview
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Affected Products (CPE)CVE.org
Moodle through 2.5.2 allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary programs by configuring the aspell
A command execution vulnerability exists in the default legacy spellchecker plugin in Moodle 3.10. Rated critical severi
A flaw was found in Moodle. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authenticatio
In Moodle 2.x and 3.x, SQL injection can occur via user preferences. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerabil
The Moodle LMS Jmol plugin version 6.1 and earlier contains a path traversal vulnerability in jsmol.php. The query param
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Moodle through 2.2.11, 2.3.x before 2.3.9, 2.4.x before 2.4.6, an
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the double extension support in the "image" module in Moodle 3.1.2 allows remo
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the "legacy course files" and "file manager" modules in Moodle 3.1.2 allows re
moodle before versions 3.5.2, 3.4.5, 3.3.8, 3.1.14 is vulnerable to an XML import of ddwtos could lead to intentional re
An issue was discovered in Moodle 3.x. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low a
Moodle 3.1.2 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors, related to a "SQL Injectio
Moodle 3.10.3 contains a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability in the calendar event subtitle field that allows
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