CVE-2025-7160 is a critical SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 2.1 of the PHPGurukul Zoo Management System, specifically within the /admin/index.php file. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization or validation of the 'Username' parameter, which can be manipulated by an attacker to inject malicious SQL queries. This flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the backend database without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The exploitability is high due to the attack vector being network accessible (AV:N), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction needed (UI:N). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the database, as attackers can extract sensitive data, modify or delete records, or disrupt system operations. Although the CVSS 4.0 score is 6.9 (medium severity), the potential for critical impact exists depending on the database contents and system usage. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of exploitation, although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The lack of available patches or vendor advisories at this time further elevates the risk for organizations using this software version.

For European organizations utilizing the PHPGurukul Zoo Management System 2.1, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Zoo management systems often store sensitive data including animal records, staff information, and possibly financial transactions related to ticketing or donations. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, data tampering, or service disruption, potentially damaging organizational reputation and violating data protection regulations such as GDPR. The ability to remotely exploit the vulnerability without authentication increases the attack surface, potentially allowing attackers to pivot into broader network infrastructure. Moreover, compromised systems could be leveraged to launch further attacks or serve as a foothold for persistent threats. Given the critical nature of the flaw and the public disclosure, European zoos and related institutions using this software must prioritize mitigation to avoid operational and compliance impacts.

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting access to the /admin/index.php interface via network-level controls such as IP whitelisting or VPN access to limit exposure. Organizations should implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the 'Username' parameter. Input validation and parameterized queries should be enforced in the application code; however, since this requires vendor action, organizations should monitor for vendor patches or updates and apply them promptly once available. Regular database backups and integrity checks should be conducted to enable recovery in case of compromise. Additionally, monitoring and logging of database queries and web server access logs should be enhanced to detect suspicious activity. If feasible, consider migrating to alternative, actively maintained zoo management solutions with better security postures until this vulnerability is resolved.