Overview
A high-severity SQL injection vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-13297, has been discovered in itsourcecode Web-Based Internet Laboratory Management System version 1.0. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and other severe consequences. This post provides a detailed analysis of the vulnerability, its potential impact, and recommended mitigation steps.
Technical Details
The vulnerability resides in the /course/controller.php file of the itsourcecode Web-Based Internet Laboratory Management System 1.0. Specifically, an unknown function within this file is susceptible to SQL injection. By manipulating user-supplied input, a remote attacker can inject malicious SQL code into database queries. This injected code can then be executed by the application’s database server, granting the attacker unauthorized access to sensitive data or the ability to modify database records.
The vulnerability is remotely exploitable, meaning an attacker doesn’t need local access to the server to carry out the attack. Proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit code is publicly available, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation.
CVSS Analysis
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a standardized way to assess the severity of security vulnerabilities. CVE-2025-13297 has been assigned a CVSS score of 7.3, indicating a High severity vulnerability.
- CVSS Score: 7.3
- Attack Vector: Network (AV:N)
- Attack Complexity: Low (AC:L)
- Privileges Required: None (PR:N)
- User Interaction: None (UI:N)
- Scope: Unchanged (S:U)
- Confidentiality Impact: High (C:H)
- Integrity Impact: High (I:H)
- Availability Impact: High (A:H)
This score reflects the ease of exploitation and the potential for significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of this SQL injection vulnerability can lead to a variety of severe consequences, including:
- Data Breach: Attackers can gain access to sensitive student data, course materials, administrator credentials, and other confidential information stored in the database.
- Account Takeover: Attackers can compromise user accounts, including administrator accounts, allowing them to control the system.
- System Compromise: Attackers can gain complete control of the server, potentially installing malware, disrupting services, or using the server for malicious purposes.
- Data Manipulation: Attackers can modify or delete database records, leading to data corruption and inaccurate information.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Attackers can overload the database server, rendering the application unusable for legitimate users.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
Due to the severity of this vulnerability, immediate action is required to mitigate the risk. Unfortunately, based on the information available, a specific patch from itsourcecode is not available yet. Therefore, the following mitigation steps are recommended:
- Input Sanitization: Implement robust input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent malicious SQL code from being injected into database queries. This should be applied to all user-supplied input, especially parameters used in database queries.
- Parameterized Queries (Prepared Statements): Use parameterized queries or prepared statements instead of string concatenation to build SQL queries. This prevents the SQL interpreter from executing attacker-controlled code.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block SQL injection attacks. Configure the WAF with rules specifically designed to prevent SQL injection attempts.
- Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that the database user account used by the application has only the necessary privileges required to perform its functions. Avoid granting excessive permissions.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in the application and infrastructure.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Implement logging and monitoring to detect suspicious database activity that could indicate a SQL injection attack.
- Contact itsourcecode: Reach out to itsourcecode support and request an official patch or upgrade to address this critical vulnerability. Monitor their website for updates.
Important Note: Until an official patch is released, these mitigation steps provide the best protection against exploitation. However, they may not completely eliminate the risk. Regularly review and update your security measures as new information becomes available.
