CVE-2025-50187
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution in Chamilo LMS by exploiting unfiltered parameter evaluation in SOAP requests. Attackers can execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially compromising the entire server. All Chamilo installations prior to version 1.11.28 are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Chamilo LMS
📦 What is this software?
Chamilo Lms by Chamilo
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive data, install malware, pivot to internal networks, and maintain persistent access.
Likely Case
Attackers gain shell access to the web server, potentially accessing database credentials, user data, and modifying/deleting learning content.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and least privilege, impact limited to the web application layer with no lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
SOAP endpoint exploitation typically requires minimal technical skill once details are public.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.11.28
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/chamilo/chamilo-lms/security/advisories/GHSA-356v-7xg2-3678
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your Chamilo installation and database. 2. Download version 1.11.28 from the official repository. 3. Replace all files with the new version. 4. Run the database update script if required. 5. Restart your web server.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable SOAP functionality
allTemporarily disable SOAP endpoints if not required for functionality
# In Apache: RewriteRule ^/soap.*$ - [F]
# In Nginx: location ~ ^/soap { deny all; }
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock suspicious SOAP requests containing code execution patterns
# ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "@rx (system|exec|shell_exec|passthru|eval)" "id:1001,phase:2,deny"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit SOAP endpoint access to trusted IPs only
- Deploy a web application firewall with specific rules to block malicious SOAP payloads
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Chamilo version in admin panel or by examining the main/inc/conf/configuration.php file for version informationCheck Version:
grep -r "chamilo_version" main/inc/conf/configuration.phpVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 1.11.28 or later and test SOAP functionality with safe test requests📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SOAP requests with PHP function names
- Web server errors containing eval() or system() calls
- Multiple failed SOAP authentication attempts
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to /soap/ endpoints with suspicious parameters
- Outbound connections from web server to unexpected destinations
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri_path="/soap/*" AND (param="system" OR param="exec" OR param="eval"))