CVE-2024-44658 identifies an SQL Injection vulnerability in PHPGurukul Complaint Management System version 2.0. The vulnerability resides in the handling of the 'subcategory' and 'category' parameters within the subcategory.php script. These parameters are not properly sanitized or validated before being incorporated into SQL queries, allowing an attacker to inject malicious SQL code. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to the backend database, enabling attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive complaint data, or potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication, making it accessible to remote attackers who can send crafted HTTP requests. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no public exploits have been observed, but the flaw is publicly disclosed and documented in the CVE database. The absence of patches or official mitigation advice necessitates immediate defensive measures by administrators. The system is typically deployed in environments handling user complaints and feedback, which often contain personally identifiable information (PII) and sensitive organizational data. Exploitation could compromise data confidentiality and integrity, and potentially disrupt complaint management operations. The vulnerability highlights the need for secure coding practices, particularly input validation and use of parameterized queries to prevent SQL Injection attacks.

For European organizations, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to significant data breaches involving sensitive complaint records, including personal data protected under GDPR. Unauthorized database access could result in exposure or manipulation of confidential information, damaging organizational reputation and leading to regulatory penalties. The integrity of complaint data could be compromised, affecting operational trust and decision-making. Availability of the complaint management system could also be impacted if attackers execute destructive SQL commands, causing service disruptions. Organizations relying on PHPGurukul Complaint Management System 2.0 for critical customer service or regulatory compliance functions are particularly at risk. The lack of authentication requirement lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. Given the potential for data leakage and operational impact, the threat poses a high risk to affected entities within Europe, especially those in sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as public administration, healthcare, and financial services.

Organizations should immediately audit their use of PHPGurukul Complaint Management System 2.0 and identify any exposed instances of subcategory.php. Until an official patch is released, administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization on the 'subcategory' and 'category' parameters to block malicious SQL payloads. Employing parameterized queries or prepared statements in the application code is critical to prevent injection. Web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block SQL Injection attempts targeting these parameters. Monitoring web server logs for suspicious query patterns related to these parameters can help detect exploitation attempts early. If possible, restrict access to the complaint management system to trusted networks or VPNs to reduce exposure. Organizations should also prepare incident response plans specific to SQL Injection attacks and ensure backups of complaint data are current and secure. Engaging with PHPGurukul for updates or patches and planning for timely application of fixes is essential. Finally, conducting security code reviews and penetration testing on the application can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively.