CVE-2025-13586 identifies a SQL injection vulnerability in the SourceCodester Online Student Clearance System version 1.0, located in the /Admin/changepassword.php script. The vulnerability is triggered by manipulation of the txtconfirm_password parameter, which is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. This flaw allows an attacker with administrative privileges to inject malicious SQL code remotely, potentially enabling unauthorized access to or modification of the underlying database. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have high privileges (administrative access), limiting the attack surface somewhat. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (AT:N) is contradicted by PR:H (privileges required high), no user interaction (UI:N), and low impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (VC:L, VI:L, VA:L). While no known exploits are currently active in the wild, proof-of-concept exploits have been published, increasing the risk of future attacks. The vulnerability could allow attackers to extract sensitive student data, alter clearance statuses, or disrupt system operations. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix is not yet publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps by affected organizations.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using the SourceCodester Online Student Clearance System, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized database access and manipulation. Exploitation could lead to exposure of sensitive student information, including personal and academic records, undermining data privacy and compliance with GDPR. Integrity of clearance data could be compromised, potentially allowing fraudulent clearance approvals or denials. Availability impacts may include disruption of clearance processes, affecting administrative workflows. Given the administrative privileges required, insider threats or compromised admin accounts could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. The medium severity reflects a moderate risk, but the potential for data breaches and operational disruption is significant in the education sector. European institutions must consider the reputational damage and regulatory penalties associated with such breaches.

1. Immediately restrict access to the /Admin/changepassword.php page to trusted administrators only, ideally via network-level controls such as VPN or IP whitelisting. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on the txtconfirm_password parameter to prevent SQL injection, preferably by using prepared statements or parameterized queries. 3. Conduct a thorough code review of all input handling in the Online Student Clearance System to identify and remediate similar injection points. 4. Monitor administrative account activity for unusual behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Apply principle of least privilege to administrative accounts to reduce risk if credentials are compromised. 6. If possible, isolate the database server from direct network exposure and enforce strong authentication mechanisms. 7. Engage with SourceCodester or community forums to track availability of official patches or updates. 8. Educate administrative users on secure password practices and phishing risks to prevent credential compromise. 9. Consider deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) with SQL injection detection rules as an interim protective measure. 10. Regularly back up clearance system data to enable recovery in case of data corruption or loss.