CVE-2025-8962 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the code-projects Hostel Management System, specifically within the Login Form component of the executable file hostel_manage.exe. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the 'uname' argument, which can be manipulated to overflow the stack buffer. This type of vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or system crashes if exploited successfully. However, exploitation requires local access with at least low privileges (PR:L), and no user interaction is necessary (UI:N). The attack complexity is low (AC:L), meaning an attacker with local access can reliably trigger the overflow. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent (VC:L, VI:L, VA:L), indicating partial compromise potential. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 4.8, categorizing it as a medium severity issue. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, but the exploit code has been disclosed publicly, increasing the risk of future exploitation. The vulnerability does not require network access (AV:L), limiting its attack surface to local users or insiders. No patches or mitigation links are currently provided by the vendor, increasing the urgency for organizations to implement compensating controls or develop fixes. Given the nature of the affected software—a Hostel Management System—this vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious insiders or attackers who gain local access to disrupt operations or escalate privileges within the system.

For European organizations, especially educational institutions, hostels, or accommodation providers using the affected Hostel Management System, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution or denial of service on systems managing sensitive personal data of residents or students, potentially exposing confidential information or disrupting critical administrative functions. Since the vulnerability requires local access, the primary risk vector is from insiders or attackers who have already breached perimeter defenses. This elevates concerns around internal security controls, endpoint protection, and user privilege management. Disruption of hostel management operations could impact service availability and organizational reputation. Additionally, data confidentiality and integrity risks arise if attackers manipulate or exfiltrate resident information. The medium severity rating suggests that while the threat is not critical, it should not be ignored, especially in environments where the affected software is deployed in multi-user or shared systems without strict access controls.

1. Restrict local access to systems running the Hostel Management System to trusted personnel only, enforcing strict user account management and least privilege principles. 2. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor and block suspicious activities related to the hostel_manage.exe process. 3. Conduct regular audits of user accounts and access logs to detect unauthorized local access attempts. 4. If possible, isolate the Hostel Management System on dedicated machines or virtual environments with hardened security configurations to minimize exposure. 5. Engage with the vendor or development community to obtain or develop patches addressing the buffer overflow vulnerability. 6. In the absence of official patches, consider applying compiler-level protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization (ASLR), and data execution prevention (DEP) if recompilation or system-level controls are feasible. 7. Educate staff about the risks of local privilege misuse and enforce strong physical security controls to prevent unauthorized device access. 8. Monitor security advisories for updates or exploit disclosures to respond promptly.