CVE-2025-8989 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in SourceCodester COVID 19 Testing Management System version 1.0. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation and sanitization in the /edit-phlebotomist.php script, specifically in the handling of the 'mobilenumber' parameter. An attacker can remotely manipulate this parameter to inject malicious SQL code, potentially altering the intended SQL queries executed by the backend database. This could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification or deletion of database records, or even complete compromise of the database server depending on the privileges of the database user. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, making it exploitable remotely by any attacker aware of the flaw. Although the CVSS 4.0 score is 6.9 (medium severity), the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is significant due to the nature of SQL injection attacks. The disclosure notes that other parameters may also be vulnerable, indicating a broader input validation issue within the application. No patches or fixes have been publicly released yet, and no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but public disclosure increases the risk of exploitation attempts. The system in question manages COVID-19 testing data, which likely includes sensitive personal health information, increasing the risk and impact of a successful attack.

For European organizations using the SourceCodester COVID 19 Testing Management System 1.0, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive health data, including personal identifiers and test results. A successful SQL injection attack could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, data tampering, or denial of service by corrupting or deleting database records. This could result in regulatory non-compliance with GDPR and other data protection laws, leading to legal penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, disruption of COVID-19 testing data management could impact public health responses and operational continuity. Given the critical nature of health data and the potential for widespread impact, European healthcare providers, testing centers, and public health authorities using this system must prioritize addressing this vulnerability.

1. Immediate mitigation should include implementing input validation and parameterized queries (prepared statements) in the /edit-phlebotomist.php script and any other vulnerable endpoints to prevent SQL injection. 2. Conduct a thorough security review and code audit of the entire application to identify and remediate other potential injection points. 3. Restrict database user privileges to the minimum necessary to limit the impact of any injection attack. 4. Monitor application logs and database activity for unusual queries or access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. If possible, isolate the vulnerable system from public internet access or restrict access via network segmentation and firewalls until a patch is available. 6. Engage with the vendor or development community to obtain or develop a security patch. 7. Educate staff on the risks and signs of exploitation to enable rapid detection and response. 8. Ensure regular backups of the database are maintained to enable recovery in case of data corruption or deletion.