Overview
A critical SQL injection vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-13170, has been discovered in the Simple Online Hotel Reservation System version 1.0. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to data breaches, account compromise, and complete system takeover. The vulnerability resides within the /admin/edit_account.php file and is exploitable through manipulation of the admin_id parameter. A proof-of-concept exploit is publicly available, increasing the urgency for immediate mitigation.
Technical Details
The vulnerability exists because the /admin/edit_account.php script does not properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the admin_id parameter. An attacker can inject malicious SQL code into this parameter, which is then executed by the database. This can allow the attacker to bypass authentication, read sensitive data (including user credentials and financial information), modify data, or even execute arbitrary commands on the database server.
The specific vulnerable code is within the handling of the admin_id parameter when retrieving or updating admin account details. Without proper input validation and sanitization, the injected SQL is interpreted as part of the legitimate SQL query.
CVSS Analysis
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-13170
- Severity: HIGH
- CVSS Score: 7.3
- Vector: The exact CVSS vector would depend on the specifics, but it would involve remote exploitation without requiring authentication, impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
A CVSS score of 7.3 indicates a high severity vulnerability. Exploitation requires no user interaction and can be performed remotely, posing a significant risk to affected systems.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of this SQL injection vulnerability can have severe consequences:
- Data Breach: Attackers can access sensitive information, including user credentials, personal data, and financial details.
- Account Compromise: Attackers can gain administrative access to the system, allowing them to create, modify, or delete user accounts.
- Data Modification: Attackers can alter critical data, such as hotel room availability, pricing, and reservation information.
- System Takeover: In the worst-case scenario, attackers can gain complete control of the database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
- Reputational Damage: A successful attack can severely damage the reputation of the hotel and reservation system, leading to loss of customer trust.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
Immediate action is required to mitigate this vulnerability:
- Input Validation and Sanitization: Implement robust input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent SQL injection. All user-supplied input, especially the
admin_idparameter in/admin/edit_account.php, must be validated and sanitized before being used in SQL queries. - Prepared Statements: Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to separate SQL code from user-supplied data. This is the most effective way to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities.
- Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that the database user account used by the application has only the necessary privileges to perform its tasks. Avoid using database accounts with excessive privileges.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Configure the WAF with rules to protect against common SQL injection patterns.
- Update/Patch: Check code-projects.org for any available patch or updated version of the Simple Online Hotel Reservation System. Apply the patch immediately if available. If a patch isn’t available, strongly consider migrating to a more secure reservation system.
- Monitor System Logs: Regularly monitor system logs for suspicious activity, such as unusual database queries or access attempts.
