CVE-2024-44632 identifies a critical SQL Injection vulnerability in the PHPGurukul Student Record System version 3.20. The vulnerability exists in the password-recovery.php script, specifically through the id and emailid parameters, which are not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. This improper input validation allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code, potentially enabling unauthorized access to the backend database. The attacker could extract sensitive student information, modify records, or escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication, increasing its risk profile, and can be exploited remotely via crafted HTTP requests targeting the password recovery functionality. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the presence of this vulnerability in a student record management system poses a significant risk to data confidentiality and integrity. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and pending further assessment. The absence of patches or mitigation links suggests that organizations must proactively implement secure coding practices and input validation to mitigate risk. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to data breaches, regulatory non-compliance, and reputational damage, especially in educational institutions handling personal data of minors and staff.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using PHPGurukul Student Record System 3.20, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive student and staff data, including personal identifiers and academic records. Such data breaches may violate GDPR regulations, resulting in legal penalties and loss of trust. The integrity of student records could be compromised, affecting academic outcomes and administrative processes. Availability might also be impacted if attackers manipulate or delete critical data. The ease of exploitation without authentication increases the threat level, making it a prime target for opportunistic attackers or insider threats. The reputational damage and potential operational disruption could be significant, especially for institutions with large student populations or those involved in international education programs. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for further network intrusion or lateral movement within organizational IT environments.

Organizations should immediately audit and sanitize all inputs in the password-recovery.php script, particularly the id and emailid parameters, using parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL Injection. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL Injection attempts targeting these parameters. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focusing on authentication and password recovery functionalities. Monitor web server logs for suspicious query patterns or repeated failed attempts to exploit these parameters. Educate developers on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation. If possible, isolate the student record system from the broader network to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. Stay alert for official patches or updates from PHPGurukul and apply them promptly. Additionally, ensure that database accounts used by the application have the least privileges necessary to limit potential damage from exploitation.