CVE-2025-6403 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the code-projects School Fees Payment System, specifically within the /student.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization or validation of the 'ID' parameter, which allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction. This flaw enables an attacker to manipulate backend database queries, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or deletion. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of exploitation, although no known exploits have been reported in the wild to date. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 6.9, indicating a medium severity level, with an attack vector of network (remote), low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and limited impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not involve scope change or security requirements alterations. The lack of available patches or vendor advisories suggests that mitigation efforts must currently rely on defensive controls and code review. Given the nature of the affected system—a school fees payment platform—successful exploitation could compromise sensitive student financial data and disrupt payment processing operations.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions and their associated administrative bodies using the code-projects School Fees Payment System, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of student personal and financial information, violating data protection regulations such as the GDPR. Integrity of payment records could be compromised, leading to financial discrepancies or fraud. Availability impacts might include denial of service or disruption of fee payment processes, affecting operational continuity. The public disclosure of the vulnerability increases the likelihood of opportunistic attacks, especially against institutions with limited cybersecurity resources. Additionally, reputational damage and potential regulatory penalties could arise from breaches involving sensitive student data. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is exploitable remotely without authentication, the impact is somewhat limited to the affected application and its database, but the criticality of the data involved elevates the overall risk profile for affected organizations.

1. Immediate code review and input validation: Organizations should audit the /student.php file and any other input handling code to ensure strict validation and sanitization of all user-supplied inputs, especially the 'ID' parameter. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. 2. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Deploy WAFs with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection attempts targeting the vulnerable parameter. 3. Network segmentation and access controls: Restrict access to the payment system backend databases to only necessary services and users, minimizing the attack surface. 4. Monitor logs and alerts: Enable detailed logging of database queries and web requests to detect anomalous activities indicative of injection attempts. 5. Backup and recovery planning: Ensure regular backups of payment system databases are maintained and tested to enable rapid restoration in case of data corruption or deletion. 6. Vendor engagement: Contact the vendor for patches or updates and monitor for any forthcoming security advisories. 7. Consider application replacement or upgrade: If no patch is forthcoming, evaluate alternative payment systems with stronger security postures. 8. Employee training: Educate administrative staff on recognizing suspicious system behavior and reporting potential incidents promptly.