CVE-2025-13248 identifies a SQL injection vulnerability in SourceCodester's Patients Waiting Area Queue Management System version 1.0. The vulnerability resides in the /php/api_patient_schedule.php script, specifically in an unknown function that processes the appointmentID parameter. An attacker can remotely manipulate this parameter to inject malicious SQL code, enabling unauthorized database queries or commands. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, making it highly accessible to remote attackers. The CVSS 4.0 score of 6.9 reflects a medium severity, considering the attack vector is network-based with low complexity and no privileges required, but with limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. The vulnerability could allow attackers to extract sensitive patient scheduling information, modify appointment data, or disrupt queue management operations. Although no active exploits have been reported, the public availability of exploit code increases the likelihood of exploitation. The lack of official patches necessitates immediate mitigation efforts by affected organizations. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure coding practices, such as input validation and use of parameterized queries, especially in healthcare management systems that handle sensitive personal data.

For European organizations, especially healthcare providers using the affected system, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of patient appointment data, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, potentially resulting in legal penalties and reputational damage. Data integrity could be compromised by altering appointment schedules, causing operational disruptions and patient care delays. Availability of the queue management system could also be impacted if attackers execute destructive SQL commands. Given the critical nature of healthcare services, any disruption could have serious consequences for patient safety and trust. The medium severity rating indicates a moderate but tangible risk that requires prompt attention. The public availability of exploit code increases the urgency for European healthcare entities to assess exposure and implement mitigations to prevent data breaches and service interruptions.

1. Immediately conduct a comprehensive code review of /php/api_patient_schedule.php to identify and remediate unsafe handling of the appointmentID parameter. 2. Implement parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. 3. Apply strict input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data, especially parameters used in database queries. 4. Restrict database user permissions to the minimum necessary to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 5. Monitor web application logs for suspicious activity related to appointmentID or unusual SQL errors. 6. If possible, isolate the queue management system behind a web application firewall (WAF) configured to detect and block SQL injection attempts. 7. Engage with SourceCodester or community forums to obtain or develop official patches or updates. 8. Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to verify the effectiveness of mitigations. 9. Educate IT and security teams about the vulnerability and ensure incident response plans include this threat. 10. Regularly back up patient scheduling data to enable recovery in case of data corruption or loss.