CVE-2024-44633 identifies a SQL Injection vulnerability in the PHPGurukul Student Record System version 3.20, specifically within the change-password.php script's currentpassword parameter. SQL Injection (CWE-89) vulnerabilities occur when untrusted input is improperly sanitized and directly included in SQL queries, allowing attackers to manipulate database commands. In this case, the currentpassword parameter lacks adequate input validation or parameterized queries, enabling an attacker to inject arbitrary SQL code remotely without authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability could allow attackers to read sensitive student records, alter password data, or disrupt application logic, compromising confidentiality and integrity. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N) reflects network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and impacts confidentiality and integrity but not availability. No patches or known exploits are currently reported, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The PHPGurukul Student Record System is an open-source educational management platform used primarily by academic institutions to manage student data, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking sensitive educational records or to disrupt academic operations.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using PHPGurukul Student Record System 3.20, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive student information, including personal and academic data. The ability to manipulate password change functionality could lead to account takeover or privilege escalation. Data integrity could be compromised by unauthorized modification of records, undermining trust in institutional data. Although availability is not directly impacted, reputational damage and regulatory consequences under GDPR could arise from data breaches. The medium severity score indicates a moderate risk, but the lack of required authentication and user interaction increases the likelihood of exploitation. Institutions with limited cybersecurity resources or outdated systems are especially vulnerable. The exposure of student data could lead to identity theft, privacy violations, and legal liabilities. Additionally, attackers might leverage this vulnerability as a foothold for further network intrusion or lateral movement within educational networks.

Organizations should immediately audit their PHPGurukul Student Record System installations to confirm the version in use and assess exposure. Since no official patch is currently available, temporary mitigations include implementing strict input validation and sanitization on the currentpassword parameter, preferably using prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL Injection. Deploying a web application firewall (WAF) with SQL Injection detection rules can help block malicious requests targeting this vulnerability. Monitoring database logs for unusual queries or failed login attempts can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Restricting network access to the application server and enforcing strong access controls reduces the attack surface. Educate administrators and developers about secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Once a patch is released, prioritize its deployment. Additionally, conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focused on SQL Injection vectors. Backup critical data frequently and ensure incident response plans are updated to handle potential breaches.