CVE-2025-5857 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the code-projects Patient Record Management System, specifically affecting the /urinalysis_record.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization or validation of the 'itr_no' parameter, which can be manipulated by an attacker to inject malicious SQL commands. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker with low privileges to execute arbitrary SQL queries on the backend database. The exploitation does not require user interaction and can lead to partial compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the patient records managed by the system. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, but no known exploits are currently observed in the wild. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed, but limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is critical in the context of healthcare data due to the sensitivity of patient information and the potential for data leakage or unauthorized modification. However, the limited scope of affected versions (only 1.0) and the absence of known active exploitation somewhat mitigate immediate risk. The lack of available patches or mitigations from the vendor increases the urgency for organizations to implement compensating controls.

For European organizations, particularly healthcare providers using the code-projects Patient Record Management System version 1.0, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to patient data confidentiality and integrity. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive medical records, potentially violating GDPR requirements for data protection and privacy. The integrity of patient records could be compromised, affecting clinical decisions and patient safety. Availability impact is limited but could occur if attackers manipulate database queries to disrupt service. The reputational damage and regulatory penalties resulting from a data breach in the healthcare sector could be severe. Given the critical nature of healthcare data and the strict regulatory environment in Europe, even a medium severity vulnerability like this demands prompt attention. Organizations relying on this software must assess their exposure and implement mitigations to prevent exploitation.

Since no official patches are currently available, European organizations should take immediate steps to mitigate risk. First, restrict network access to the Patient Record Management System to trusted internal networks and VPNs only, minimizing exposure to remote attackers. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the 'itr_no' parameter or the /urinalysis_record.php endpoint. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user inputs, especially the 'itr_no' parameter, using parameterized queries or prepared statements if possible. Monitor logs for suspicious SQL query patterns or repeated failed attempts to access the vulnerable endpoint. If feasible, upgrade or migrate to a newer, patched version of the software or an alternative solution. Additionally, conduct security awareness training for IT staff to recognize and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Regular backups of patient data should be maintained to ensure recovery in case of data integrity compromise.