Overview
CVE-2025-13468 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting SourceCodester Alumni Management System version 1.0. This flaw allows remote attackers to perform unauthorized deletion actions by manipulating the ID parameter used in various delete functions within the `admin_class.php` file. The vulnerability resides in the Delete Handler component and has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of exploitation.
Technical Details
The vulnerability lies within the `admin/admin_class.php` file, specifically affecting the following functions:
- `delete_forum`
- `delete_career`
- `delete_comment`
- `delete_gallery`
- `delete_event`
By manipulating the `ID` parameter passed to these functions, an attacker can bypass authorization checks and delete data they are not authorized to delete. The lack of proper input validation and authorization mechanisms makes this attack possible. The fact that an exploit is publicly available significantly elevates the risk associated with this vulnerability.
CVSS Analysis
- CVSS Score: 5.4 (Medium)
- This score indicates a moderate level of risk. While not critical, the vulnerability is easily exploitable remotely and can lead to data integrity issues.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-13468 can lead to several negative consequences, including:
- Data Loss: Unauthorized deletion of forum posts, career listings, comments, gallery images, and event information.
- Service Disruption: Deletion of critical data can disrupt the functionality of the Alumni Management System.
- Reputational Damage: Data loss and service disruptions can damage the reputation of the organization using the vulnerable software.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
Currently, there is no official patch released by SourceCodester to address this vulnerability. Therefore, the following mitigation steps are recommended:
- Input Validation: Implement strict input validation and sanitization for the `ID` parameter in all affected functions.
- Authorization Checks: Implement robust authorization checks to ensure that only authorized users can delete data. Verify user roles and permissions before allowing deletion operations.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests and prevent exploitation attempts. Configure the WAF to block requests that attempt to manipulate the `ID` parameter.
- Monitor System Activity: Monitor system logs for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized deletion attempts.
- Consider Alternatives: If possible, consider migrating to a more secure Alumni Management System or developing a custom solution with security best practices in mind.
