CVE-2025-4164 is a critical SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.3 of the PHPGurukul Employee Record Management System, specifically within the changepassword.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization and validation of the 'currentpassword' parameter, which is directly used in SQL queries without adequate escaping or parameterization. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject malicious SQL code, potentially manipulating the backend database. Exploitation does not require any user interaction or privileges, making it highly accessible for attackers. The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized data disclosure, modification, or deletion, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of employee records stored in the system. Although no public exploit is currently known to be actively used in the wild, the vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of exploitation. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9 (medium severity), reflecting the ease of remote exploitation without authentication but with limited scope impact due to partial confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. The vulnerability affects a niche HR management product, which may be deployed in various organizations managing employee data.

For European organizations using PHPGurukul Employee Record Management System version 1.3, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Employee records often contain sensitive personal information protected under GDPR, including identification details, employment history, and possibly financial data. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, violating privacy regulations and resulting in legal and financial penalties. Integrity of employee data could be compromised, leading to incorrect records that affect payroll, benefits, or compliance reporting. Availability impacts could disrupt HR operations, delaying critical processes such as payroll or compliance audits. Organizations in sectors with stringent data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government, face heightened risks. The remote and unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the likelihood of attacks, especially if the system is internet-facing or insufficiently segmented. Additionally, reputational damage from data breaches could affect trust and business continuity.

1. Immediate upgrade or patching: Organizations should verify if PHPGurukul has released an official patch or updated version addressing this vulnerability. If available, apply it promptly. 2. Input validation and parameterized queries: If patching is not immediately possible, review and modify the changepassword.php code to implement strict input validation and use prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection. 3. Network segmentation: Restrict access to the Employee Record Management System to trusted internal networks or VPNs, minimizing exposure to remote attackers. 4. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy and configure a WAF with rules specifically targeting SQL injection patterns, including those targeting the 'currentpassword' parameter. 5. Monitoring and logging: Enable detailed logging of database queries and web requests to detect anomalous activities indicative of SQL injection attempts. 6. Access controls: Limit database user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce potential damage from exploitation. 7. Incident response readiness: Prepare for potential breach scenarios by having data backup, recovery procedures, and notification plans in place, especially considering GDPR breach notification requirements. 8. Vendor engagement: Engage with PHPGurukul for support and updates, and consider alternative solutions if the vendor does not provide timely remediation.