CVE-2025-6457 is a critical SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the code-projects Online Hotel Reservation System, specifically affecting the /reservation/demo.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization or validation of the 'Start' parameter, which is directly used in SQL queries without adequate filtering or parameterization. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to inject malicious SQL code, potentially manipulating the backend database. Exploitation does not require any user interaction or privileges, making it accessible over the network without authentication. The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the reservation system's data. Although the CVSS 4.0 score is 6.9 (medium severity), the exploitability is high due to the lack of required authentication and user interaction. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of exploitation, although no known active exploits in the wild have been reported yet. The absence of official patches or mitigation guidance from the vendor further elevates the risk for organizations using this software. Given the nature of hotel reservation systems, the backend database likely contains sensitive customer information, booking details, and potentially payment data, making this vulnerability particularly impactful if exploited.

For European organizations, especially those in the hospitality sector using the affected Online Hotel Reservation System version 1.0, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to customer personal data, including names, contact details, and booking histories, which would violate GDPR regulations and result in severe legal and financial penalties. Data integrity could be compromised, leading to manipulated or falsified reservation records, potentially disrupting business operations and customer trust. Availability impacts could arise if attackers execute destructive SQL commands, causing denial of service or data loss. The reputational damage from a breach involving customer data could be substantial, affecting customer retention and brand value. Additionally, attackers might leverage the compromised system as a foothold to pivot into broader corporate networks, escalating the threat beyond the reservation system itself. The public disclosure of the vulnerability increases the urgency for European organizations to address this risk promptly.

1. Immediate upgrade or patching: Organizations should verify if the vendor has released any patches or updated versions addressing CVE-2025-6457; if available, apply them without delay. 2. Input validation and parameterization: If patching is not immediately possible, implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block malicious SQL injection payloads targeting the 'Start' parameter. 3. Code review and remediation: Conduct a thorough security review of the reservation system's source code, focusing on SQL query construction, and refactor vulnerable queries to use parameterized prepared statements or stored procedures. 4. Database access controls: Restrict database user privileges to the minimum necessary, preventing the application from executing destructive or administrative SQL commands. 5. Network segmentation: Isolate the reservation system from critical internal networks to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 6. Monitoring and logging: Enable detailed logging of database queries and web requests to detect anomalous activities indicative of SQL injection attempts. 7. Incident response readiness: Prepare and test incident response plans specific to data breaches involving customer information. 8. Vendor engagement: Engage with the software vendor to demand timely security updates and support.