CVE-2025-50190 is an error-based SQL Injection vulnerability identified in the Chamilo Learning Management System (LMS) prior to version 1.11.30. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands (CWE-89), specifically through the GET parameter openid.assoc_handle in the /index.php script. This flaw allows remote, unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL code into backend database queries, potentially exposing sensitive data or disrupting service availability. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 8.8, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and high impact on confidentiality and availability. The issue was publicly disclosed and reserved in mid-2025 and patched in version 1.11.30 of Chamilo LMS. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the vulnerability’s characteristics make it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise educational institutions’ data or disrupt LMS operations. Chamilo LMS is widely used in educational environments, making this vulnerability particularly relevant for organizations managing online learning platforms. The vulnerability’s exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or denial of service conditions.

The potential impact of CVE-2025-50190 is significant for organizations using vulnerable versions of Chamilo LMS. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive educational data, including user credentials, course materials, and personal information, severely compromising confidentiality. Attackers could also manipulate or delete data, affecting data integrity and disrupting LMS availability, which can halt educational activities and damage institutional reputation. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, it can be exploited remotely by any attacker with network access to the LMS, increasing the attack surface. The high CVSS score reflects the critical nature of the threat, emphasizing the risk to confidentiality and availability. Educational institutions, training providers, and any organization relying on Chamilo LMS for e-learning are at risk of data breaches, operational disruption, and potential regulatory non-compliance related to data protection laws.

To mitigate CVE-2025-50190, organizations should immediately upgrade Chamilo LMS to version 1.11.30 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. In addition to patching, implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the openid.assoc_handle parameter and other input vectors. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data, especially GET parameters, to prevent injection of malicious SQL code. Employ database least privilege principles to limit the potential damage of any injection attack by restricting database user permissions. Regularly audit and monitor LMS logs for unusual query patterns or error messages indicative of SQL injection attempts. Educate development and security teams about secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases. Finally, maintain an incident response plan tailored to web application attacks to quickly contain and remediate any exploitation attempts.