CVE-2025-13169 identifies a SQL injection vulnerability in the Simple Online Hotel Reservation System version 1.0 developed by code-projects. The vulnerability resides in the /add_query_reserve.php script, specifically in the handling of the room_id parameter. Due to insufficient input validation or sanitization, an attacker can craft malicious SQL statements injected via the room_id argument, which the backend database executes. This flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries without requiring authentication or user interaction, making exploitation straightforward over the network. The impact includes unauthorized retrieval, modification, or deletion of reservation data, potentially exposing sensitive customer information or disrupting booking operations. Although no known exploits are currently active in the wild, the public disclosure of the vulnerability increases the likelihood of exploitation attempts. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9 (medium severity), reflecting the ease of exploitation and the potential for partial confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the software, which is used primarily in small to medium hospitality businesses for managing hotel reservations online. The lack of patches or vendor-provided fixes necessitates immediate mitigation by users to prevent exploitation.

For European organizations, particularly those in the hospitality sector using the affected Simple Online Hotel Reservation System version 1.0, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to customer personal and payment data, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, resulting in legal and financial penalties. Integrity of reservation data could be compromised, causing booking errors, double bookings, or cancellations, damaging customer trust and operational continuity. Availability impacts could arise if attackers execute destructive SQL commands, leading to downtime or data loss. The medium severity score indicates that while the vulnerability does not allow full system takeover, the partial compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability can have serious business consequences. The remote, unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the attack surface, especially for internet-facing reservation systems. European hospitality businesses are attractive targets due to the volume of personal data processed and the critical nature of booking systems for revenue generation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-13169, organizations should immediately implement strict input validation and sanitization on the room_id parameter in /add_query_reserve.php, ideally by adopting parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. If source code modification is not feasible, deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block SQL injection payloads targeting this parameter can reduce risk. Restrict database user permissions to the minimum necessary, avoiding elevated privileges that could exacerbate impact if exploited. Conduct thorough code reviews and penetration testing focusing on input handling in the reservation system. Monitor logs for suspicious query patterns or repeated failed attempts to exploit the vulnerability. If possible, upgrade to a patched or newer version of the software once available. Additionally, ensure that backups of reservation data are current and tested for restoration to minimize downtime in case of data corruption or loss. Educate staff on the risks of SQL injection and the importance of timely patching and monitoring.