CVE-2025-11552 identifies a SQL injection vulnerability in the code-projects Online Complaint Site version 1.0, specifically within the /admin/category.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization or validation of the 'Category' parameter, which is used in SQL queries. An attacker can remotely manipulate this parameter to inject arbitrary SQL commands, potentially allowing unauthorized access to the backend database. The attack vector requires no user interaction and no prior authentication, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium), reflecting the moderate impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and the ease of exploitation. Although no known exploits are currently active in the wild, publicly available exploit code increases the likelihood of future attacks. The vulnerability could allow attackers to extract sensitive complaint data, modify records, or disrupt the complaint management system's functionality. The lack of patches or vendor advisories necessitates immediate attention from administrators. Remediation involves fixing the input validation flaws by employing parameterized queries or prepared statements, restricting access to the admin interface, and monitoring logs for suspicious activity. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in web applications handling sensitive user feedback and complaint data.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of complaint data, which may include sensitive personal or organizational information. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, data tampering, or denial of service on complaint management platforms, potentially undermining trust and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. Public sector entities or consumer protection agencies using the affected software are particularly vulnerable, as disruption or data breaches could impact citizen services and legal processes. Additionally, reputational damage and regulatory penalties could result from exploitation. The remote, unauthenticated nature of the vulnerability increases the attack surface, making it easier for threat actors to target multiple organizations across Europe. Although the current severity is medium, the availability of public exploit code could escalate the threat level if leveraged in targeted attacks. Organizations relying on this software or similar complaint management solutions must assess their exposure and prioritize mitigation to prevent operational and compliance risks.

1. Immediately audit and review the /admin/category.php code to identify and remediate unsafe handling of the 'Category' parameter. 2. Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. 3. Restrict access to the administrative interface using network segmentation, VPNs, or IP whitelisting to limit exposure. 4. Monitor web server and database logs for unusual query patterns or repeated failed attempts targeting the 'Category' parameter. 5. If possible, apply vendor patches or updates; if none are available, consider temporary workarounds such as input validation filters or web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to block SQL injection payloads. 6. Conduct security testing, including automated scanning and manual penetration testing, to verify the vulnerability is fully mitigated. 7. Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation. 8. Maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any exploitation attempts. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on code-level fixes, access controls, and proactive monitoring specific to this vulnerability and product.