CVE-2025-11656 identifies a critical security weakness in the ProjectsAndPrograms School Management System, specifically in the /assets/editNotes.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the 'File' argument, allowing attackers to upload files without any restrictions or validation. This unrestricted upload flaw can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction, making it highly accessible to attackers. The uploaded files could include malicious scripts or executables that, when processed by the server, may lead to remote code execution, data leakage, or complete system compromise. The affected version is identified by a specific commit hash (6b6fae5426044f89c08d0dd101c7fa71f9042a59), but due to the lack of versioning in the product, it is difficult to determine the full scope of affected deployments. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9, reflecting a medium severity level, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no active exploitation has been reported, the public availability of exploit code increases the likelihood of attacks. The vulnerability poses a significant risk to educational institutions relying on this software, potentially exposing sensitive student and staff data and disrupting school operations.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using the ProjectsAndPrograms School Management System, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive personal data, including student records and staff information, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. The ability to upload arbitrary files remotely may allow attackers to deploy web shells or malware, resulting in system takeover, data exfiltration, or ransomware deployment. Such incidents could cause operational disruptions, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Given the critical role of school management systems in daily operations, exploitation could interrupt educational services and compromise trust in digital infrastructure. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate but tangible risk, especially in environments lacking compensating controls or network segmentation. The public disclosure of exploit code further elevates the threat landscape, necessitating urgent attention from European educational entities.

To mitigate CVE-2025-11656, organizations should implement strict server-side validation of all uploaded files, including verifying file types, sizes, and content signatures to prevent malicious uploads. Employ allowlists for acceptable file extensions and reject all others. Restrict upload directories to non-executable locations and enforce least privilege permissions on these directories to limit potential damage. Deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious file upload attempts and payloads. Monitor logs for unusual upload activity and conduct regular security audits of the application code, especially the /assets/editNotes.php endpoint. If possible, update or patch the software once a fix is released by the vendor. In the absence of patches, consider isolating the affected system from critical networks and applying network-level access controls. Educate IT staff and users about the risks and signs of exploitation to enhance detection and response capabilities.