CVE-2024-42843 identifies a critical SQL Injection vulnerability in Projectworlds Online Examination System version 1.0. The vulnerability exists in the feed.php script, specifically in the 'subject' parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject malicious SQL code, potentially leading to unauthorized access to the backend database. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command). The CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's ease of exploitation (network vector, no privileges or user interaction required) and its severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Exploitation could allow attackers to extract sensitive examination data, alter records, delete information, or disrupt the examination system's availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the critical nature of this flaw demands urgent attention. The lack of available patches increases the risk, emphasizing the need for immediate defensive measures. The vulnerability affects version 1.0 of the software, but the exact scope of affected deployments is unclear due to limited version data.

The impact of CVE-2024-42843 is severe for organizations using the Projectworlds Online Examination System. Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of the examination database, exposing sensitive student data, exam content, and results. This can undermine the integrity of examination processes and lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and loss of trust. Additionally, attackers could modify or delete critical data, causing operational disruption and potential denial of service. The vulnerability's remote and unauthenticated nature means attackers can exploit it at scale, increasing the risk of widespread attacks. Educational institutions and certification bodies relying on this system are particularly vulnerable, potentially affecting exam fairness and security. The absence of patches and known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for attackers to develop weaponized exploits, increasing urgency for mitigation.

Immediate mitigation steps include implementing strict input validation and sanitization on the 'subject' parameter within feed.php to prevent SQL injection payloads. Deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules targeting SQL injection patterns can provide a protective barrier against exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar injection points. Monitoring database logs and web server access logs for anomalous queries or suspicious activity can help detect exploitation attempts early. Restricting database user privileges to the minimum necessary can limit the damage if exploitation occurs. Until an official patch is released by the vendor, consider isolating the affected system from untrusted networks or limiting access to trusted users only. Engage with the vendor or community to obtain updates or patches as soon as they become available. Regular backups of the database should be maintained to enable recovery in case of data tampering or loss.