CVE-2025-4500 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the code-projects Hotel Management System, specifically within the Edit function of the Edit Room component. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the 'roomnumber' argument, which can be manipulated to overflow the stack buffer. This overflow can lead to memory corruption, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (PR:L) and does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack complexity is low (AC:L), meaning exploitation is relatively straightforward once local access is obtained. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts (VC:L, VI:L, VA:L), suggesting partial compromise potential. No network access is involved (AV:L), and no privileges are escalated beyond the initial local user level. Although the exploit has been publicly disclosed, there are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The vulnerability is classified with a medium severity score of 4.8, reflecting the local attack vector and limited scope of impact. The absence of patches or mitigation links indicates that users of this software should prioritize remediation efforts. The vulnerability is critical in nature due to the buffer overflow but is mitigated somewhat by the requirement for local access and low privilege level.

For European organizations using the code-projects Hotel Management System version 1.0, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to internal systems where local access can be obtained by an attacker or malicious insider. The buffer overflow could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or service disruption within the hotel management environment. This could compromise sensitive guest information, reservation data, and operational integrity. Given the local access requirement, the threat is more significant in environments with weak internal access controls or where endpoint security is insufficient. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is moderate but could escalate if attackers leverage this vulnerability as a foothold for lateral movement or privilege escalation. European hospitality organizations, especially those with limited IT security resources or legacy systems, may face operational disruptions and reputational damage if exploited. Additionally, compliance with GDPR mandates protection of personal data, and exploitation could lead to regulatory penalties if guest data is compromised.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first verify if they are running version 1.0 of the code-projects Hotel Management System and prioritize upgrading to a patched version once available. In the absence of an official patch, organizations should implement strict local access controls, ensuring that only trusted personnel have access to systems running the vulnerable software. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of buffer overflow exploitation. Conduct regular audits of user privileges and monitor logs for suspicious activity related to the Edit Room component. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit lateral movement from compromised local accounts. Additionally, applying application whitelisting and employing runtime application self-protection (RASP) can help mitigate exploitation attempts. Training staff on security best practices and maintaining up-to-date backups will further reduce operational impact in case of exploitation.