CVE-2025-13546: Critical SQL Injection Vulnerability Threatens Travel Agency Software

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Overview

CVE-2025-13546 describes a medium-severity SQL Injection vulnerability discovered in the ashraf-kabir travel-agency software. The vulnerability resides in the /results.php file, specifically affecting the Search component. A malicious actor can remotely exploit this flaw by manipulating the user_query argument. The exploit is now publicly available, increasing the risk of active exploitation. Due to the absence of versioning information for this product, determining affected or unaffected releases is impossible.

Technical Details

The vulnerability lies within the /results.php script, a component responsible for handling search queries. By injecting malicious SQL code into the user_query parameter, an attacker can bypass intended data validation and directly interact with the underlying database. This allows the attacker to potentially:

  • Read sensitive data from the database, including user credentials, financial information, and travel itineraries.
  • Modify data within the database, potentially altering booking information or creating fraudulent accounts.
  • Execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

CVSS Analysis

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) assigns CVE-2025-13546 a score of 6.3 (Medium). This score reflects the following characteristics:

  • Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) – The vulnerability can be exploited remotely.
  • Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) – Exploitation requires minimal effort.
  • Privileges Required (PR): None (N) – No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
  • User Interaction (UI): None (N) – No user interaction is required.
  • Scope (S): Unchanged (U) – The vulnerability affects the same component.
  • Confidentiality Impact (C): Low (L) – Limited sensitive information may be accessed.
  • Integrity Impact (I): Low (L) – Limited data modification may occur.
  • Availability Impact (A): Low (L) – Limited disruption to service availability.

While rated as Medium severity, the public availability of the exploit increases the risk and potential impact significantly.

Possible Impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-13546 can have several significant consequences:

  • Data Breach: Sensitive customer and business data can be exposed, leading to financial loss and reputational damage.
  • Service Disruption: The travel agency’s website and services could be rendered unavailable due to database corruption or manipulation.
  • Financial Fraud: Attackers could manipulate booking information to steal money or create fraudulent accounts.
  • Reputational Damage: A security breach can severely damage the travel agency’s reputation and customer trust.

Mitigation and Patch Steps

Given the lack of versioning information for this product, a direct patch may not be readily available. The following mitigation steps are recommended:

  • Input Sanitization: Implement robust input sanitization and validation on the user_query parameter in /results.php. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Configure the WAF with rules specific to SQL injection attacks.
  • Database Security Hardening: Review and harden the database security configuration, including access controls and permissions.
  • Code Review: Conduct a thorough code review of the /results.php script and other related files to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.
  • Monitor and Alert: Implement monitoring and alerting systems to detect suspicious activity, such as unusual database queries or error messages.
  • Consider alternative software: If the ashraf-kabir travel-agency software cannot be patched or adequately secured, consider migrating to a more secure alternative.

References

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