CVE-2025-15205 is a SQL injection vulnerability identified in the Student File Management System version 1.0 developed by code-projects. The vulnerability resides in the /download.php endpoint, where the istore_id parameter is improperly sanitized, allowing an attacker to inject malicious SQL code. This injection flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate backend database queries without requiring authentication or user interaction, increasing the risk of unauthorized data disclosure, modification, or deletion. The CVSS 4.0 score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting the ease of exploitation (low attack complexity) but limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (low impact on each). The vulnerability is publicly disclosed with exploit code available, although no active exploitation has been reported. The affected product is primarily used in academic environments for managing student files, making educational institutions the primary targets. The lack of patches necessitates immediate mitigation efforts such as input validation, use of prepared statements, and enhanced monitoring. The vulnerability does not affect system components beyond the specified version and endpoint, limiting its scope but still posing a significant risk to organizations relying on this software for sensitive student data management.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using the code-projects Student File Management System, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive student records and file data. Exploitation could lead to data breaches involving personally identifiable information (PII), academic records, and potentially allow attackers to alter or delete critical data, impacting data integrity and availability. The remote and unauthenticated nature of the attack increases the threat level, especially in environments with internet-facing instances of the vulnerable system. While the overall impact is medium, the sensitivity of educational data and regulatory requirements such as GDPR elevate the consequences of a breach. Additionally, disruption of file management services could affect academic operations. European organizations must consider the reputational damage and potential regulatory fines associated with such data compromises.

To mitigate CVE-2025-15205, organizations should immediately implement strict input validation and sanitization on the istore_id parameter to prevent SQL injection. Employ parameterized queries or prepared statements in the /download.php code to eliminate direct concatenation of user inputs into SQL commands. Conduct thorough code reviews and security testing focusing on all user inputs interacting with the database. If an official patch becomes available, prioritize its deployment. In the interim, restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint via network controls such as web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block SQL injection patterns. Monitor database logs and application logs for unusual query patterns or errors indicative of injection attempts. Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices and the risks of SQL injection. Finally, ensure regular backups of critical data to enable recovery in case of data tampering or loss.