Executive Summary

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'CVE-2025-50188 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the Chamilo LMS, specifically in the vchamilo plugin. It affects versions prior to 1.11.30 and arises because the application does not properly validate or sanitize user input coming from GET parameters in certain scripts. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary SQL statements by manipulating these parameters, which can alter the logic of database queries.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'The vulnerability is located in the scripts /plugin/vchamilo/views/syncparams.php and /plugin/vchamilo/ajax/service.php, where user input is directly used in SQL queries without sufficient validation. Exploitation requires an authorized user with administrator privileges.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "The issue was fixed in version 1.11.30 by replacing unsafe raw SQL queries with prepared statements and using Doctrine DBAL's query builder methods to securely handle database operations."}] [1, 2]

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Impact Analysis

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "This vulnerability can allow an attacker with administrator privileges to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database queries of the Chamilo LMS vchamilo plugin. This can lead to unauthorized modification of database content, potentially compromising the confidentiality and availability of the system's data."}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Confidentiality impact: High, as attackers can access or manipulate sensitive data.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Availability impact: High, since injected SQL commands could disrupt or damage database operations.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'The vulnerability does not impact data integrity directly but can cause significant disruption and data exposure risks.'}] [2]

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Compliance Impact

I don't know

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Detection Guidance

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability can be detected by monitoring for suspicious GET requests targeting the vulnerable scripts `/plugin/vchamilo/views/syncparams.php` and `/plugin/vchamilo/ajax/service.php` that include unusual or crafted SQL injection payloads in the `value` parameter.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'An example detection method is to look for HTTP GET requests with SQL syntax or error-inducing payloads in the `value` parameter, which may cause database errors or unexpected behavior.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Use web server logs or network monitoring tools to filter requests to the vulnerable endpoints with suspicious parameters, for example using grep:'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'grep -i \'GET /plugin/vchamilo/views/syncparams.php\' /var/log/apache2/access.log | grep -E "value=.*(\'|--|;|\\bOR\\b|\\bAND\\b)"'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'grep -i \'GET /plugin/vchamilo/ajax/service.php\' /var/log/apache2/access.log | grep -E "value=.*(\'|--|;|\\bOR\\b|\\bAND\\b)"'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Additionally, testing the application with crafted GET requests containing SQL injection payloads in the `value` parameter can help confirm the presence of the vulnerability.'}] [2]

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include upgrading Chamilo LMS to version 1.11.30 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched by replacing unsafe raw SQL queries with prepared statements and Doctrine DBAL query builder methods.

If upgrading is not immediately possible, apply the patch that refactors the vulnerable code to use parameterized queries, as demonstrated in the official fix.

• Restrict database user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce impact if exploited.
• Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied GET parameters, especially the `value` parameter.
• Monitor and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoints.

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