CVE-2025-11040 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the code-projects Hostel Management System, specifically within the file /justines/admin/mod_users/index.php at the parameter 'ID' when accessed with the 'view=view' argument. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to manipulate the 'ID' parameter to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the backend database query. The injection flaw arises due to insufficient input validation or improper sanitization of the 'ID' parameter before it is incorporated into SQL statements. Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the hostel management system's data. The CVSS v4.0 base score is 6.9, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P) shows that the attack is network exploitable without authentication or user interaction, with low complexity and partial impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the exploit code is publicly available, increasing the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the product, and no official patches or mitigation links have been provided yet. Given the nature of the system—a hostel management platform—compromise could expose sensitive personal data of residents, staff, and administrators, as well as disrupt operational functions such as room assignments and billing.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions, hostels, or accommodation providers using the affected Hostel Management System, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of personal data, including names, contact details, and potentially payment information, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Data integrity could be compromised, allowing attackers to alter records, which may disrupt operations and cause financial or reputational damage. Availability impacts could result in denial of service or operational downtime, affecting service delivery. The fact that exploitation requires no authentication or user interaction increases the threat level, as attackers can remotely execute attacks without insider access. Organizations failing to address this vulnerability risk regulatory penalties and loss of trust from clients and residents. Additionally, the public availability of exploit code lowers the barrier for attackers, including opportunistic cybercriminals and advanced persistent threat actors targeting European institutions.

Given the absence of official patches, European organizations should implement immediate compensating controls. First, restrict network access to the affected admin interface (/justines/admin/mod_users/index.php) by IP whitelisting or VPN access to limit exposure. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the 'ID' parameter. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters, especially 'ID', to ensure only expected data types and formats are accepted. If possible, apply parameterized queries or prepared statements in the codebase to prevent injection. Regularly monitor logs for suspicious query patterns or repeated failed attempts. Organizations should also inventory their software to identify any deployments of this vulnerable version and plan for an upgrade or patch once available. Finally, ensure backups of critical data are current and tested to enable recovery in case of data corruption or deletion.