CVE-2025-13256 identifies a SQL injection vulnerability in the Advanced Library Management System 1.0 developed by projectworlds. The flaw resides in the /borrow.php script, where the roll_number parameter is improperly sanitized, allowing an attacker to inject malicious SQL code. This injection can be executed remotely without authentication or user interaction, making it accessible to a wide range of attackers. The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized reading, modification, or deletion of database records, impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system’s data. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium), reflecting the moderate impact and ease of exploitation. The exploit code has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of exploitation, although no active widespread attacks have been documented. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the software, and no official patches have been released yet. The lack of authentication requirement and the remote attack vector make this a significant risk for organizations relying on this system for managing library resources and user data. The vulnerability’s exploitation could lead to data breaches involving sensitive user information, manipulation of borrowing records, or denial of service through database corruption.

For European organizations, particularly academic institutions, public libraries, and research centers using projectworlds Advanced Library Management System 1.0, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized data access and manipulation. Confidential user data such as borrowing histories, personal identification numbers, and possibly financial information could be exposed or altered. Integrity of library records could be compromised, leading to operational disruptions and loss of trust. Availability might be affected if attackers corrupt database contents or execute denial-of-service attacks. The public availability of exploit code increases the likelihood of opportunistic attacks, especially against under-resourced institutions with limited cybersecurity capabilities. Data protection regulations like GDPR impose strict requirements on safeguarding personal data, so exploitation could result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate but tangible threat that should be addressed promptly to avoid escalation.

Immediate mitigation should focus on input validation and sanitization of the roll_number parameter in /borrow.php, employing parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. Organizations should conduct code reviews and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting this parameter. Access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of the vulnerable endpoint to trusted networks where possible. Monitoring and logging of database queries and application logs should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities indicative of exploitation attempts. Since no official patch is available, organizations might consider isolating or temporarily disabling the affected functionality until a secure update is released. User awareness and incident response plans should be updated to handle potential exploitation scenarios. Collaboration with the vendor for timely patch development and deployment is critical.