CVE-2025-12262 is a SQL injection vulnerability identified in the code-projects Online Event Judging System version 1.0. The vulnerability exists in the /edit_criteria.php file, where the crit_id parameter is improperly sanitized, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code. This injection flaw can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers over the network. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying database, although the CVSS 4.0 vector indicates low impact on each (VC:L, VI:L, VA:L). The CVSS score of 5.3 classifies it as medium severity. The flaw could allow attackers to extract sensitive data, modify event judging criteria, or disrupt the system's normal operation. No known exploits are currently active in the wild, but public disclosure increases the risk of exploitation attempts. The lack of available patches means organizations must rely on mitigating controls such as input validation or web application firewalls until an official fix is released. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the product, so upgrading to a patched version when available is critical.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant if they rely on the code-projects Online Event Judging System for managing events, competitions, or evaluations. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive judging criteria or participant data, potentially compromising confidentiality. Integrity could be affected by unauthorized modification of judging parameters, which may undermine the fairness and trustworthiness of events. Availability impacts, while rated low, could still disrupt event operations if attackers manipulate the database or cause errors. Organizations in sectors such as education, professional associations, or event management that use this software may face reputational damage and operational disruptions. Given the remote exploitability without authentication, attackers could target these systems from anywhere, increasing the threat landscape. The medium severity rating suggests moderate urgency but should not be ignored, especially in environments where data integrity and confidentiality are critical.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first check for any official patches or updates from the vendor and apply them promptly once available. In the absence of patches, implement strict input validation on the crit_id parameter to ensure only expected numeric or predefined values are accepted. Employ parameterized queries or prepared statements in the application code to prevent SQL injection. Deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the /edit_criteria.php endpoint. Conduct thorough code reviews and security testing of the application to identify and remediate similar injection points. Limit database user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the impact of a successful injection. Monitor logs for suspicious activity related to crit_id parameter manipulation. Finally, consider isolating the judging system network segment to reduce exposure to external threats.