CVE-2025-6296 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the code-projects Hostel Management System, specifically within the /empty_rooms.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization of the 'search_box' parameter, which is directly used in SQL queries without adequate input validation or parameterization. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject malicious SQL code, potentially manipulating the backend database. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or even deletion, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system's data. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring any user interaction or authentication, increasing its risk profile. Although the CVSS 4.0 score is 6.9 (medium severity), the critical rating in the description likely reflects the potential impact if exploited in sensitive environments. The vulnerability does not require privileges or user interaction, and the attack complexity is low, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical skills. No patches or official fixes have been disclosed yet, and no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but public disclosure of the exploit details increases the risk of imminent attacks. The affected product is a niche Hostel Management System, which may be deployed in educational institutions, hostels, or similar accommodation management contexts.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions, student housing providers, and hostels using the affected Hostel Management System, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive personal data of residents or students, including identification and contact details, violating GDPR requirements and potentially resulting in regulatory penalties. Data integrity could be compromised, leading to incorrect room allocations or availability data, disrupting operational workflows. Availability impacts could arise if attackers delete or corrupt database records, causing service outages or denial of service. The medium CVSS score reflects moderate technical severity, but the critical rating in the description suggests that in real-world deployments with sensitive data, the impact could be severe. Given the remote and unauthenticated nature of the exploit, attackers could target multiple institutions across Europe, potentially leading to widespread data breaches and operational disruptions.

Organizations using the code-projects Hostel Management System 1.0 should immediately implement the following mitigations: 1) Apply input validation and sanitization on the 'search_box' parameter, ideally using prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection. 2) If source code modification is not feasible, deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block SQL injection payloads targeting the /empty_rooms.php endpoint. 3) Restrict network access to the Hostel Management System to trusted internal networks or VPNs to reduce exposure to remote attackers. 4) Conduct thorough security audits and penetration testing on the application to identify and remediate other potential injection points. 5) Monitor logs for suspicious query patterns or repeated failed attempts targeting the vulnerable parameter. 6) Engage with the vendor or community to obtain patches or updates and plan for an upgrade to a fixed version once available. 7) Educate IT staff and administrators about this vulnerability and ensure incident response plans include steps for SQL injection incidents.