Overview
A significant security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-13556, has been discovered in Campcodes Online Polling System version 1.0. This flaw allows for remote SQL injection, potentially granting attackers unauthorized access to sensitive data and control over the affected system. The vulnerability resides within the /admin/checklogin.php file and can be exploited by manipulating the myusername argument.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input sanitization in the checklogin.php file. Specifically, the myusername parameter, used during the login process, is not adequately validated before being used in a database query. An attacker can inject malicious SQL code into this parameter, which will then be executed by the database. This can allow the attacker to:
- Bypass authentication mechanisms.
- Retrieve sensitive information, such as user credentials and polling data.
- Modify or delete data within the database.
- Potentially gain complete control of the web application server.
The exploit has been publicly published, meaning that attackers are likely aware of the vulnerability and may be actively attempting to exploit it.
CVSS Analysis
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score for CVE-2025-13556 is 7.3, indicating a HIGH severity vulnerability. This score reflects the following characteristics:
- Attack Vector: Network (AV:N) – The vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network.
- Attack Complexity: Low (AC:L) – The vulnerability is relatively easy to exploit.
- Privileges Required: None (PR:N) – No 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) – An exploited vulnerability can affect resources beyond the security scope managed by the security authority of the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality Impact: High (C:H) – There is a high impact to confidentiality.
- Integrity Impact: High (I:H) – There is a high impact to integrity.
- Availability Impact: High (A:H) – There is a high impact to availability.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of this SQL injection vulnerability could have severe consequences, including:
- Data Breach: Leakage of sensitive user data, including usernames, passwords, and polling results.
- System Compromise: Complete control over the web application server, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code.
- Service Disruption: Disruption of the online polling system, preventing legitimate users from accessing and using the platform.
- Reputational Damage: Loss of trust and confidence in the Campcodes Online Polling System and its developers.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-13556, the following steps are recommended:
- Apply the Patch: Check Campcodes’ official website for a security patch or updated version of the Online Polling System. Apply it immediately if available.
- Input Sanitization: Implement robust input sanitization techniques to validate and sanitize all user-supplied data, especially the
myusernameparameter inchecklogin.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 requests attempting to exploit the vulnerability. Configure the WAF with rules specifically designed to prevent SQL injection attacks.
- Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that the database user account used by the application has only the necessary privileges required for its operation. Avoid granting excessive permissions that could be abused by an attacker.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the Campcodes Online Polling System.
