CVE-2012-5471: Moodle Allows Unauthenticated Dropbox Access

moodle/moodle Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

13/05/2022

Disclosed on

CVE-2012-5471

CVE

Yes i

Fix available

Moderate

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

CVE-2012-5471: Moodle Allows Unauthenticated Dropbox Access. Affects moodle/moodle across 3 version ranges.

>= 2.1, < 2.1.9 >= 2.2, < 2.2.6 >= 2.3, < 2.3.3

Fixed in 2.1.9, 2.2.6 or 2.3.3, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓

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Background

Moodle is an open-source learning management system (LMS) used by educational institutions worldwide. It provides a platform for creating and managing online courses, allowing educators to deliver content and interact with students. The Dropbox Repository File Picker is a feature in Moodle that enables users to access files stored in their Dropbox accounts directly within the LMS. This integration enhances file management and sharing capabilities for both students and teachers.

Vulnerability Detail

The Dropbox Repository File Picker in Moodle versions 2.1.x before 2.1.9, 2.2.x before 2.2.6, and 2.3.x before 2.3.3 contains a vulnerability that allows remote authenticated users to access the Dropbox of a different user. This security flaw can be exploited when an authenticated user leaves their workstation unattended after logging out of Moodle. An attacker with physical access to the unattended workstation can take advantage of the active session and gain unauthorized access to another user's Dropbox files. This vulnerability poses a moderate risk as it requires specific conditions to be met, but it can lead to unauthorized data exposure and privacy breaches.

How To Fix

Fixed versions by release line

The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.

>= 2.1, < 2.1.9 2.1.9
```
composer require moodle/moodle:2.1.9
```
>= 2.2, < 2.2.6 2.2.6
```
composer require moodle/moodle:2.2.6
```
>= 2.3, < 2.3.3 2.3.3
```
composer require moodle/moodle:2.3.3
```

Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →

Workaround

As a workaround, users can take precautions to prevent unauthorized access to their Dropbox accounts. This includes ensuring that they log out of Moodle before leaving their workstation unattended and implementing physical security measures to protect their devices from unauthorized access.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in Moodle's Dropbox Repository File Picker allows for unauthorized access to a user's Dropbox account under specific conditions. Upgrading to the latest patched release of Moodle and following security best practices will mitigate this vulnerability. For further support and assistance with vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for moodle/moodle →