CVE-2025-4706 is a critical SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the projectworlds Online Examination System. The vulnerability exists in the PHP file /Procedure3b_yearwiseVisit.php, specifically through the manipulation of the 'Visit_year' parameter. An attacker can remotely exploit this flaw without requiring authentication or user interaction. By injecting malicious SQL code into the 'Visit_year' argument, an attacker can manipulate backend database queries, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or even complete compromise of the database. The vulnerability does not require any privileges or user interaction, making it highly accessible for exploitation. Although the CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9 (medium severity), the nature of SQL injection vulnerabilities often warrants heightened concern due to their potential to impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. No patches or fixes have been disclosed yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild, but public disclosure of the exploit code increases the risk of imminent attacks. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the product, which is an online examination platform likely used by educational institutions or certification bodies to manage exams and results.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions, certification authorities, and training providers using projectworlds Online Examination System 1.0, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive student or candidate data, including personal information and exam results, undermining data confidentiality and privacy compliance obligations under GDPR. Data integrity could be compromised if attackers alter exam results or attendance records, potentially affecting academic outcomes and organizational reputation. Availability of the examination system could also be impacted if attackers execute destructive SQL commands, causing denial of service during critical exam periods. The remote and unauthenticated nature of the attack vector increases the likelihood of exploitation, especially in environments with internet-facing examination portals. The lack of patches means organizations must rely on immediate mitigation strategies to protect their systems and data.

Given the absence of official patches, European organizations should implement immediate compensating controls. First, apply strict input validation and sanitization on the 'Visit_year' parameter at the web application firewall (WAF) or reverse proxy level to block malicious SQL payloads. Employ parameterized queries or prepared statements in the application code to prevent injection if code access is possible. Restrict database user privileges to the minimum necessary to limit potential damage from injection attacks. Monitor logs for unusual database query patterns or repeated access attempts to the vulnerable endpoint. If feasible, isolate or temporarily disable the vulnerable functionality until a vendor patch is released. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their online examination systems and consider migrating to updated or alternative platforms with active security support. Finally, ensure regular backups of examination data to enable recovery in case of data tampering or loss.