CVE-2025-12938 is a SQL injection vulnerability identified in projectworlds Online Admission System version 1.0. The vulnerability resides in an unspecified functionality within the /process_login.php file, where the 'keywords' parameter is improperly sanitized, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary SQL commands. This injection flaw can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers over the network. The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of data stored in the backend database, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS v4.0 score of 6.9 (medium severity) reflects that the attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity and no privileges or user interaction needed, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is limited rather than complete. No official patches or fixes have been published yet, and although no known exploits are currently observed in the wild, a public exploit is available, increasing the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the product, which is typically used by educational institutions for managing online admissions. The lack of input validation and use of unsafe SQL query construction are the root causes. Remediation involves implementing parameterized queries or prepared statements, input validation, and possibly web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block injection attempts.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions and universities using projectworlds Online Admission System 1.0, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of data breaches involving sensitive student and applicant information. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of personal data, modification or deletion of admission records, and disruption of admission services, impacting operational continuity and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. The ability to exploit remotely without authentication increases the attack surface, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple institutions if the software is widely deployed. The medium severity rating indicates that while the impact is serious, it may not result in full system compromise or widespread service outages. However, the exposure of sensitive educational data and potential reputational damage can be substantial. Additionally, attackers could leverage the vulnerability as a foothold for further network intrusion or lateral movement within affected organizations.

Organizations should immediately audit their use of projectworlds Online Admission System version 1.0 and isolate affected instances from public networks where possible. Implement strict input validation on all user-supplied data, especially the 'keywords' parameter in /process_login.php, to prevent injection of malicious SQL code. Refactor the application code to use parameterized queries or prepared statements instead of dynamic SQL query construction. Deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting this vulnerability. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual database queries or access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. If feasible, restrict database user permissions to the minimum necessary to limit the impact of a successful injection. Engage with the vendor or community to obtain patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on injection vulnerabilities. Educate development and IT teams about secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future software versions.