CVE-2024-44639 identifies an SQL Injection vulnerability in PHPGurukul Student Record System version 3.20, specifically in the add-subject.php file. The vulnerability arises from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input in the parameters sub1, sub2, sub3, sub4, and course-short. An attacker can craft malicious SQL payloads within these parameters to manipulate the underlying database queries. This manipulation can lead to unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of student records stored within the system. The vulnerability does not currently have a CVSS score, and no public exploits have been reported, indicating it may not yet be actively exploited in the wild. However, SQL Injection remains a critical risk due to its potential for severe impact. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps. The vulnerability likely requires user interaction with the vulnerable web interface, but it is unclear if authentication is mandatory, which could affect the attack surface. Given the nature of the affected system—an educational record management platform—the exposure of sensitive personal and academic data could have significant privacy and compliance implications, especially under regulations like GDPR in Europe.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using PHPGurukul Student Record System or similar platforms, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive student information, including personal identifiers, academic records, and potentially financial data. Such breaches could result in severe privacy violations, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties under GDPR. The integrity of academic records could also be compromised, affecting institutional trust and operational continuity. Additionally, attackers might leverage the vulnerability to escalate privileges or pivot to other internal systems, increasing the scope of impact. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not diminish the potential severity if weaponized. European countries with large education sectors or those that have adopted PHPGurukul or similar software are particularly vulnerable. The threat also underscores the importance of securing legacy or niche educational software often overlooked in broader cybersecurity strategies.

Organizations should immediately audit their PHPGurukul Student Record System installations to determine if version 3.20 is in use. Until an official patch is released, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user inputs, especially the sub1, sub2, sub3, sub4, and course-short parameters in add-subject.php. Employ parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL Injection. Restrict access to the add-subject.php interface via network segmentation or access control lists to limit exposure. Monitor web application logs for suspicious input patterns indicative of SQL Injection attempts. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on injection flaws. Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices and the risks of unsanitized inputs. Prepare an incident response plan tailored to potential data breaches involving student records. Stay alert for official patches or advisories from PHPGurukul and apply them promptly once available.