CVE-2025-11657 is a security vulnerability identified in the ProjectsAndPrograms School Management System, specifically affecting versions up to the commit 6b6fae5426044f89c08d0dd101c7fa71f9042a59. The vulnerability resides in the /assets/createNotice.php file, where the 'File' argument can be manipulated to allow unrestricted file uploads. This means an attacker can remotely upload arbitrary files without any authentication or user interaction, bypassing any intended file type or size restrictions. The lack of restrictions on uploaded files can lead to severe consequences, including remote code execution if malicious scripts are uploaded and executed on the server. The system follows a rolling release model, which means updates are continuously delivered without fixed version numbers, complicating the identification of patched versions. The CVSS 4.0 score is 6.9 (medium severity), reflecting the network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and partial impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the public disclosure of the vulnerability increases the risk of exploitation by threat actors. The vulnerability primarily threatens the confidentiality and integrity of data managed by the school management system and could disrupt availability if exploited to execute malicious payloads or cause system instability.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using the ProjectsAndPrograms School Management System, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive student and staff data, including personal information and academic records, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations. Attackers could upload web shells or malware, enabling persistent access, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. This could result in operational disruptions, loss of trust from stakeholders, and potential legal liabilities. The medium severity rating suggests moderate but tangible risks, especially given the lack of authentication and user interaction requirements. The continuous update model may delay patch deployment or complicate vulnerability management. Additionally, the educational sector is often targeted by ransomware and data theft campaigns, increasing the threat relevance. Therefore, European schools and educational authorities must prioritize addressing this vulnerability to safeguard critical educational infrastructure and comply with regulatory mandates.

To mitigate CVE-2025-11657, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately audit and restrict file upload functionality by enforcing strict server-side validation of file types, sizes, and content to prevent malicious uploads. 2) Implement allowlists for permitted file extensions and reject all others. 3) Use secure coding practices to sanitize and validate all inputs, especially the 'File' parameter in /assets/createNotice.php. 4) Deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting suspicious file upload patterns to block exploit attempts. 5) Monitor logs for unusual upload activity or access to the vulnerable endpoint. 6) Isolate the file upload directory with minimal permissions and disable execution rights to prevent uploaded scripts from running. 7) Engage with the vendor or community to obtain and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available, despite the rolling release model. 8) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on file upload functionalities. 9) Educate IT staff and administrators about this vulnerability and the importance of timely patching and monitoring. 10) Consider network segmentation to limit the impact of a potential compromise.