SQL Injection in Class and Exam Timetabling System

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-15597 is a SQL injection vulnerability discovered in SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System version 1.0. The flaw exists in the file /edit_exam2.php, specifically in an unknown function that processes the 'ID' argument. An attacker can manipulate this argument to inject malicious SQL queries, allowing unauthorized access to or manipulation of the database.

SQL injection is a type of attack where an attacker inserts or 'injects' malicious SQL code into a query, which can then be executed by the database. This can lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or even deletion. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely, meaning an attacker does not need physical or local access to the system to perform the attack.

The exploit for this vulnerability has been publicly released, increasing the risk of it being used in attacks. The CVSS scores indicate a high severity, with a base score of 7.5 in version 2.0, reflecting the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

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Detection Guidance

Detecting this vulnerability involves checking for the presence of the vulnerable file and testing for SQL injection in the specified parameter. Since the vulnerability is in the SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0, you should first verify if this software is running on your network or system.

• Check for the existence of the vulnerable file: /edit_exam2.php. You can use commands like 'find' or 'locate' on Linux systems to search for this file. Example: find / -name edit_exam2.php
• Test for SQL injection in the 'ID' parameter of the /edit_exam2.php file. You can use tools like curl or a web vulnerability scanner to send crafted requests. Example curl command to test for basic SQL injection: curl 'http://[target]/edit_exam2.php?ID=1''
• Use a web application security scanner like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite to automate the detection of SQL injection vulnerabilities in the application.

If the application is accessible, monitor network traffic for unusual SQL queries or error messages that may indicate an attempted exploitation.

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Impact Analysis

If you are using SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System version 1.0, this vulnerability could have several impacts on your system and data:

• Unauthorized access to sensitive data: An attacker could exploit the SQL injection vulnerability to access confidential information stored in the database, such as student records, exam schedules, or user credentials.
• Data manipulation or deletion: The attacker could alter or delete data in the database, leading to corrupted records, loss of critical information, or disruption of system functionality.
• System compromise: In severe cases, the attacker might gain control over the entire system, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands or install malware.
• Reputation damage: A successful attack could harm the reputation of your institution or organization, especially if sensitive data is exposed or misused.
• Operational disruption: The system might become unstable or unavailable due to the attack, affecting normal operations like scheduling exams or managing classes.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could have significant implications for compliance with various standards and regulations, depending on the type of data your system handles:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): If the affected system stores or processes personal data of individuals in the European Union, a SQL injection vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or exposure of this data. GDPR requires organizations to implement appropriate security measures to protect personal data. A breach resulting from this vulnerability could result in fines, legal action, or reputational damage.
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): If the system contains protected health information (PHI), this vulnerability could lead to a breach of HIPAA's security and privacy rules. HIPAA requires covered entities to safeguard PHI, and a breach could result in penalties, mandatory corrective actions, or legal consequences.
• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): For educational institutions in the U.S., if the system contains student records, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or disclosure of these records, violating FERPA. Non-compliance could result in the loss of federal funding or legal action.
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): If the system processes or stores payment card information, this vulnerability could lead to a breach of PCI DSS requirements. Non-compliance could result in fines, increased transaction fees, or the loss of the ability to process payments.

In summary, this vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with regulations that require the protection of sensitive data. Organizations must address the vulnerability promptly to avoid potential legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, follow these immediate steps:

• Apply any available patches or updates provided by the vendor for the SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0. Since no resources are available, check the vendor's official website or security advisories for updates.
• If no patch is available, restrict access to the vulnerable file (/edit_exam2.php) by implementing network-level controls such as firewalls or web application firewalls (WAF) to block malicious requests targeting the 'ID' parameter.
• Implement input validation and parameterized queries in the application code to prevent SQL injection attacks. This may require modifying the source code of the affected file.
• Disable or remove the vulnerable software if it is not critical to operations until a patch is available.
• Monitor the application and network for signs of exploitation, such as unusual database queries or unauthorized access attempts.

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