CVE-2025-14623 identifies a SQL injection vulnerability in the Student File Management System version 1.0 developed by code-projects. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation of the stud_id parameter in the /admin/update_student.php script. This allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject malicious SQL statements directly into the backend database queries. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without any user interaction or privileges, making it highly accessible for attackers. The SQL injection can be leveraged to read sensitive student data, modify records, or even execute administrative commands on the database server, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise. The CVSS 4.0 score of 6.9 reflects a medium severity, considering the lack of authentication and user interaction but limited scope and impact compared to more critical vulnerabilities. No official patches have been published yet, and while no active exploitation has been reported, public exploit code availability increases the risk. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the software, which may still be in use in some educational institutions. The absence of secure coding practices such as parameterized queries or prepared statements is the root cause. This flaw highlights the importance of rigorous input sanitization and secure development lifecycle adherence in educational software handling sensitive personal data.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using the affected Student File Management System version 1.0, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of student personal information, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, resulting in legal and financial penalties. Integrity of student records could be compromised, affecting academic outcomes and institutional trust. Availability of the system might be disrupted if attackers execute destructive SQL commands, impacting administrative operations. The medium severity rating indicates a moderate but tangible threat, especially given the public availability of exploit code and the lack of authentication required for exploitation. Institutions with limited cybersecurity resources or outdated software maintenance practices are particularly vulnerable. The reputational damage from a breach involving student data could be substantial. Additionally, attackers could leverage this access as a foothold for further network intrusion. The impact is amplified in countries with higher adoption of this software or where educational data is a strategic target for cyber espionage or ransomware campaigns.

To mitigate CVE-2025-14623, organizations should immediately implement input validation and sanitization on the stud_id parameter to prevent injection of malicious SQL code. Employ parameterized queries or prepared statements in the /admin/update_student.php script to ensure user input is treated as data, not executable code. Restrict access to the /admin/update_student.php endpoint using network-level controls such as IP whitelisting or VPN access to limit exposure. Monitor web server and database logs for suspicious queries indicative of SQL injection attempts. If possible, upgrade to a patched version once available or apply vendor-provided security patches promptly. Conduct a thorough code review of the entire application to identify and remediate similar injection flaws. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules tailored to detect and block SQL injection payloads targeting this system. Educate system administrators and developers on secure coding practices and the importance of timely patch management. Finally, ensure regular backups of student data are maintained and tested for restoration to mitigate data loss in case of compromise.