CVE-2025-65594 is an access control vulnerability affecting OpenSIS versions 9.2 and earlier. The issue resides in the Student.php script, where insufficient authorization checks allow authenticated users with low privileges to perform unauthorized database write operations on records belonging to other users. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control). Exploitation requires authentication but no user interaction, and it can be executed remotely (AV:N). The attack complexity is low (AC:L), meaning an attacker with valid credentials can easily exploit the flaw without additional conditions. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity severely (C:H/I:H/A:N), as attackers can alter sensitive student data, potentially leading to data corruption, privacy violations, and undermining trust in the system. No patches are currently linked, and no exploits are known in the wild, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and rated with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1, indicating high severity. OpenSIS is an open-source Student Information System widely used in educational institutions to manage student records, grades, and other sensitive data, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on this software. The flaw could be leveraged to manipulate academic records, disrupt administrative processes, or facilitate further attacks by corrupting data integrity.

For European organizations, especially educational institutions using OpenSIS, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of student data. Unauthorized database writes could lead to manipulation of grades, personal information, or attendance records, potentially causing reputational damage, legal liabilities under GDPR, and operational disruptions. The integrity compromise could undermine trust in academic records and affect students' academic progress or eligibility. Since the vulnerability requires authentication, insider threats or compromised low-privilege accounts are primary concerns. The lack of user interaction and low attack complexity increase the likelihood of exploitation once credentials are obtained. Additionally, the absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly after disclosure. European institutions must consider the regulatory implications of data breaches involving student information and the potential for cascading effects on related systems.

Organizations should immediately audit and restrict user privileges within OpenSIS to ensure that low-privilege users cannot access or modify unauthorized data. Implement strict role-based access controls (RBAC) and verify that access control checks are enforced consistently across all database operations. Monitor database write activities for anomalies indicative of unauthorized modifications. Since no official patch is currently available, consider deploying web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting Student.php endpoints. Educate administrators and users about the risks of credential compromise and enforce strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), to reduce the risk of account takeover. Regularly back up student data and verify backup integrity to enable recovery in case of data tampering. Stay informed about updates from OpenSIS developers and apply patches promptly once released. Conduct penetration testing and code reviews focused on access control enforcement to identify and remediate similar issues proactively.