CVE-2025-5214: Responsive Online Learning Platform SQLi Flaw

CVE-2025-5214 Overview

A SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in the Kashipara Responsive Online Learning Platform version 1.0. This vulnerability exists in the /courses/course_detail_user_new.php file, where the ID parameter is not properly sanitized before being used in SQL queries. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands, potentially compromising the underlying database and sensitive user information stored within the learning management system.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability without authentication to extract, modify, or delete data from the database, potentially compromising student information, course content, and administrative credentials.

Affected Products

• Lopalopa Responsive Online Learning Platform 1.0
• Kashipara Responsive Online Learning Platform (alternative product name)

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-05-27 - CVE-2025-5214 published to NVD
• 2025-06-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-5214

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL injection vulnerability affects the course detail functionality within the Responsive Online Learning Platform. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (SQL Injection) and CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component). The affected endpoint /courses/course_detail_user_new.php accepts an ID parameter that is directly incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization or parameterized query implementation.

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring any user authentication or interaction. Successful exploitation enables attackers to read sensitive data from the database, modify or delete records, and potentially execute administrative operations. The public disclosure of this vulnerability and its exploit details increases the risk of active exploitation in the wild.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and the lack of parameterized queries or prepared statements in the /courses/course_detail_user_new.php file. The ID parameter is directly concatenated into SQL query strings, allowing attackers to break out of the intended query structure and inject malicious SQL code. This is a common coding flaw in PHP applications that do not implement proper database query sanitization using PDO prepared statements or mysqli parameterized queries.

Attack Vector

The attack can be launched remotely over the network by manipulating the ID parameter in HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing SQL injection payloads in the ID parameter value. Since no authentication is required, any internet-connected attacker can target vulnerable installations.

The vulnerability allows attackers to inject SQL commands through the ID parameter in requests to /courses/course_detail_user_new.php. By inserting specially crafted SQL syntax, attackers can manipulate database queries to extract unauthorized data, bypass authentication mechanisms, or modify database contents. Technical details and proof-of-concept information have been documented in the GitHub Issue Tracker Entry and VulDB #310310.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-5214

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests to /courses/course_detail_user_new.php containing SQL metacharacters in the ID parameter (e.g., single quotes, UNION statements, OR 1=1 patterns)
• Unusual database query patterns or errors in application logs indicating SQL syntax manipulation
• Unexpected data extraction or database dump activities originating from web server processes
• Access log entries showing repeated requests to the vulnerable endpoint with varying payloads

Detection Strategies

• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the ID parameter
• Enable detailed database query logging and monitor for anomalous query structures or unauthorized data access attempts
• Deploy intrusion detection systems with signatures for common SQL injection attack patterns
• Review web server access logs for suspicious request patterns targeting /courses/course_detail_user_new.php

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure alerts for database errors that may indicate SQL injection attempts
• Monitor for unusual data transfer volumes from the database server that could indicate data exfiltration
• Implement application-level logging to track parameter values passed to the vulnerable endpoint
• Set up real-time monitoring for authentication bypass attempts and unauthorized administrative access

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-5214

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict access to the /courses/course_detail_user_new.php endpoint if not immediately required for operations
• Implement input validation and sanitization for the ID parameter at the application or WAF level
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with SQL injection protection rules enabled
• Review and audit database access logs for any signs of prior exploitation

Patch Information

As of the last update on 2025-06-05, no official vendor patch has been released for this vulnerability. Organizations using the Lopalopa Responsive Online Learning Platform should monitor vendor communications and apply any security updates as they become available. Additional vulnerability information is available through VulDB CTI ID #310310.

Workarounds

• Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements in the affected PHP file to prevent SQL injection
• Add strict input validation to ensure the ID parameter only accepts numeric values
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious SQL injection payloads before they reach the application
• Consider temporarily disabling or restricting access to the affected course detail functionality until a proper fix is implemented

# Example: Apache mod_rewrite rule to block non-numeric ID values
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} ID=[^0-9] [NC]
RewriteRule ^courses/course_detail_user_new\.php - [F,L]