Overview
CVE-2025-13286 details a security vulnerability present in itsourcecode Online Voting System version 1.0. This vulnerability is classified as a SQL Injection and allows remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary SQL commands, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data and system compromise. The flaw resides within the /ajax.php?action=save_user file, specifically through manipulation of the ID argument. This vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of active exploitation.
Technical Details
The vulnerability lies in the lack of proper sanitization of user-supplied input within the /ajax.php?action=save_user endpoint. By manipulating the ID parameter, an attacker can inject malicious SQL code into the database query. This allows them to bypass security restrictions and potentially:
- Read sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, voting records, and other confidential data.
- Modify or delete data within the database, potentially altering voting results or compromising the integrity of the system.
- Execute arbitrary code on the database server, potentially gaining complete control of the system.
The attack is remote, meaning an attacker doesn’t need local access to the server to exploit it. Publicly available exploit code makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous.
CVSS Analysis
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 6.3, indicating a MEDIUM severity. This score is based on the following factors:
- Attack Vector: Network (AV:N) – The vulnerability can be exploited remotely.
- Attack Complexity: Low (AC:L) – The vulnerability is relatively easy to exploit.
- Privileges Required: None (PR:N) – No special privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction: None (UI:N) – No user interaction is required to exploit the vulnerability.
- Scope: Changed (S:C) – Exploitation can affect components beyond the vulnerable one.
- Confidentiality Impact: Low (C:L) – Limited disclosure of information.
- Integrity Impact: Low (I:L) – Limited modification of data.
- Availability Impact: Low (A:L) – Limited disruption of service.
While the CVSS score is medium, the ease of exploitation and public availability of exploit code elevate the real-world risk.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-13286 can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including:
- Data Breach: Exposure of sensitive voter data, compromising privacy and potentially violating data protection regulations.
- Vote Manipulation: Alteration of voting results, undermining the integrity of the election or poll.
- System Compromise: Gaining control of the web server, allowing attackers to launch further attacks or deface the website.
- Reputational Damage: Loss of trust and credibility for the organization using the vulnerable voting system.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
To address this vulnerability, the following steps are recommended:
- Apply the Patch (if available): Check the itsourcecode website for an official patch or update addressing this vulnerability. This is the most effective solution. Since no patch information is available, constant monitoring of the official vendor website is crucial.
- Input Sanitization: Implement robust input sanitization techniques to filter out potentially malicious characters and SQL keywords from user-supplied input. Specifically, focus on the
IDparameter in the/ajax.php?action=save_userendpoint. - Prepared Statements: Utilize parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. This ensures that user input is treated as data rather than executable code.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Configure the WAF to identify and block SQL injection attempts.
- Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that the database user account used by the application has only the necessary privileges to perform its functions. Avoid granting excessive permissions that could be exploited in case of a successful SQL injection attack.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the application.
Important: Given the public availability of the exploit, immediate action is crucial to protect systems using itsourcecode Online Voting System 1.0.
