CVE-2025-15213 identifies an improper authorization vulnerability in the code-projects Student File Management System version 1.0, specifically within the /download.php component responsible for handling file downloads. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the store_id argument, which an attacker can manipulate remotely to bypass authorization checks. This flaw does not require authentication or user interaction, making it easier to exploit over the network. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can download files they are not authorized to access, potentially exposing sensitive student records or other confidential information stored within the system. The CVSS 4.0 vector (AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P) indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no authentication required but requires low privileges, no user interaction, and partial confidentiality impact without affecting integrity or availability. Although no known exploits are currently active in the wild and no official patches have been released, the public disclosure of the exploit increases the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's root cause is a failure to properly authorize access to file downloads based on the store_id parameter, which should be strictly validated against the requesting user's permissions. Without such controls, unauthorized users can access files belonging to other users or groups. This vulnerability is particularly critical in educational environments where sensitive student data confidentiality is paramount. Organizations using this software version should urgently assess their exposure and implement compensating controls until an official patch is available.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions using the code-projects Student File Management System 1.0, this vulnerability poses a significant confidentiality risk. Unauthorized access to student files could lead to exposure of personal data, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, potentially resulting in legal penalties and reputational damage. The ease of remote exploitation without authentication increases the likelihood of attacks. Although the vulnerability does not impact system integrity or availability, the breach of sensitive information can disrupt trust and compliance. Organizations may also face operational challenges if they need to take systems offline to mitigate risk. The lack of patches means that until fixes are available, organizations must rely on detection and access control hardening. The impact is heightened in countries with strict data privacy enforcement and large deployments of this software in educational sectors.

1. Immediately audit and restrict access controls on the /download.php endpoint, ensuring that the store_id parameter is validated against the authenticated user's permissions. 2. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to manipulate store_id values. 3. Monitor server logs for unusual file download patterns or access attempts to unauthorized files. 4. If possible, disable the file download functionality temporarily or restrict it to trusted IP ranges until a patch is available. 5. Engage with the vendor or community to obtain or develop patches addressing the authorization flaw. 6. Conduct a thorough review of all access control mechanisms within the Student File Management System to identify and remediate similar authorization weaknesses. 7. Educate administrators and users about the risk and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activity. 8. Ensure that sensitive files are encrypted at rest to reduce impact if unauthorized access occurs. 9. Prepare incident response plans focused on data breach scenarios involving unauthorized file access. 10. Regularly update and patch all related systems once fixes are released.