CVE-2025-13278 is a SQL injection vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of projectworlds Advanced Library Management System, specifically within the /borrowed_book_search.php script. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization of the datefrom and dateto parameters, which are used in SQL queries to filter borrowed book records by date. An attacker can remotely craft malicious input for these parameters to inject arbitrary SQL commands, potentially allowing unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited without authentication, although the attacker must have network access to the affected web application. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates low attack complexity and no privileges required, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is limited to partial compromise, likely due to application or database constraints. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits are currently active in the wild, but public disclosure increases the risk of future exploitation. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the software, which is typically deployed in library and academic environments for managing book lending and inventory. The lack of secure coding practices in input validation and query parameterization is the root cause. Detection can be performed by monitoring for anomalous SQL queries or unexpected database errors related to the date parameters. Remediation will require vendor patches or manual code review to implement prepared statements and input sanitization.

For European organizations, especially educational institutions, public libraries, and research centers relying on projectworlds Advanced Library Management System 1.0, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized data exposure and manipulation. Attackers exploiting this SQL injection could access sensitive patron information, borrowing records, or internal system data, leading to privacy violations and potential regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. Integrity of library records could be compromised, affecting operational reliability and trust. Availability may be impacted if attackers execute destructive SQL commands or cause database errors, disrupting library services. The medium severity reflects that while the vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication, the scope is limited to the affected application and database. However, given the critical role of library systems in academic and public sectors, even partial disruption or data leakage can have significant reputational and operational consequences. European organizations may also face legal and financial repercussions if personal data is exposed. The public disclosure increases the urgency for mitigation to prevent opportunistic attacks.

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting network access to the Advanced Library Management System to trusted users and IP ranges to reduce exposure. Organizations should implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the datefrom and dateto parameters. Until an official patch is released, administrators should review and harden the application code by applying input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied parameters, especially date inputs. Employing parameterized queries or prepared statements in the database access layer is critical to prevent injection. Database user accounts used by the application should have the least privileges necessary, limiting the potential damage from exploitation. Regular monitoring of database logs and web server logs for suspicious query patterns or errors can help detect attempted exploitation. Organizations should prepare to apply vendor patches promptly once available and consider conducting security audits or penetration tests focused on injection flaws. Additionally, educating staff about the risks and signs of SQL injection attacks can improve incident response readiness.