CVE-2025-12293 identifies a SQL injection vulnerability in SourceCodester Point of Sales version 1.0, specifically within the /category.php script. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the 'Category' parameter, which is susceptible to malicious SQL code injection. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to remotely execute arbitrary SQL commands against the backend database, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or denial of service. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or privileges, making it straightforward to exploit. The CVSS 4.0 score is 6.9 (medium severity), reflecting the network attack vector, low complexity, and no required authentication, but limited impact scope and partial confidentiality, integrity, and availability loss. Although no active exploitation has been reported, a public exploit exists, increasing the likelihood of future attacks. The lack of official patches necessitates that organizations implement immediate mitigations such as input validation and use of prepared statements. This vulnerability is critical for retail environments relying on SourceCodester POS 1.0, as attackers could access sensitive customer and transaction data or disrupt sales operations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses significant risks to retail and hospitality sectors using SourceCodester Point of Sales 1.0. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized disclosure of customer payment and personal data, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, leading to legal and financial penalties. Data integrity could be compromised, allowing attackers to alter transaction records or inventory data, impacting business operations and financial reporting. Availability may also be affected if the database is manipulated to cause service disruptions. The presence of a public exploit increases the threat of opportunistic attacks, especially against smaller businesses with limited cybersecurity resources. The reputational damage and operational downtime could be substantial, particularly for organizations with high transaction volumes or those handling sensitive customer information.

1. Immediately implement strict input validation and sanitization on the 'Category' parameter in /category.php to prevent injection of malicious SQL code. 2. Refactor database queries to use parameterized statements or prepared queries, eliminating direct concatenation of user input. 3. Restrict database user permissions to the minimum necessary, preventing unauthorized data manipulation or access. 4. Monitor logs for unusual query patterns or repeated access attempts targeting the vulnerable parameter. 5. If possible, isolate the POS system network segment to limit exposure to external threats. 6. Develop and deploy patches or updates from the vendor as soon as they become available. 7. Conduct security awareness training for staff to recognize potential exploitation symptoms. 8. Regularly back up POS databases and verify restoration procedures to minimize impact of potential data loss or corruption.