CVE-2025-5368 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.1 of the PHPGurukul Daily Expense Tracker System, specifically within the /expense-yearwise-reports-detailed.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization or validation of the 'todate' parameter, which is used in SQL queries. An attacker can manipulate this parameter to inject malicious SQL code, potentially allowing unauthorized access to or modification of the underlying database. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring user interaction or prior authentication, increasing the risk of exploitation. The disclosed CVSS 4.0 score is 5.3, indicating a medium severity level, reflecting limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and requiring low privileges (PR:L) for exploitation. The vulnerability does not involve scope changes or user interaction, and the attack vector is network-based. Although no known exploits are currently observed in the wild, the public disclosure of the exploit code increases the likelihood of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects only version 1.1 of the product, which is a PHP-based web application used for tracking daily expenses. Given the nature of SQL injection, attackers could potentially extract sensitive financial data, modify records, or disrupt application functionality, depending on the database permissions and configuration.

For European organizations using PHPGurukul Daily Expense Tracker System 1.1, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized data access and data integrity compromise. Financial data leakage could lead to privacy violations under GDPR, resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Alteration or deletion of expense records could disrupt financial reporting and auditing processes. The medium severity rating suggests that while the impact is not catastrophic, it is significant enough to warrant prompt remediation. Organizations relying on this system for internal financial management or client data could face operational disruptions and potential compliance issues. The remote exploitability without authentication increases the risk, especially for internet-facing deployments or poorly segmented internal networks. However, the limited scope and absence of known active exploitation reduce immediate widespread impact. Still, the presence of publicly available exploit code necessitates urgent attention to prevent targeted attacks.

Specific mitigation steps include: 1) Immediate upgrade or patching of the PHPGurukul Daily Expense Tracker System to a version that addresses this vulnerability, if available. Since no patch links are provided, organizations should contact the vendor or review official channels for updates. 2) Implement input validation and parameterized queries (prepared statements) for all database interactions, especially for the 'todate' parameter, to prevent SQL injection. 3) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting SQL injection patterns to provide an additional layer of defense. 4) Restrict database user permissions to the minimum necessary, limiting the potential damage from successful injection attacks. 5) Conduct thorough security assessments and code reviews of custom or third-party PHP applications to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. 6) Monitor logs for suspicious query patterns or repeated failed attempts targeting the vulnerable parameter. 7) Isolate or restrict access to the expense tracker system from untrusted networks to reduce exposure. These measures, combined, will reduce the risk of exploitation and limit potential damage.