CVE-2025-12252
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in Online Event Judging System 1.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through the content parameter in /ajax/action.php. Organizations using this software are affected, particularly those with internet-facing deployments. The vulnerability enables unauthorized database access and potential data manipulation.
💻 Affected Systems
- Online Event Judging System
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise leading to data theft, data destruction, or full system takeover via SQL injection to RCE chaining.
Likely Case
Unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of event judging records and user data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and WAF rules blocking malicious SQL patterns.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit details are publicly available on GitHub, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with basic SQL injection knowledge.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: https://code-projects.org/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Consider migrating to alternative software or implementing workarounds.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation and Sanitization
PHPImplement strict input validation and parameterized queries for the content parameter in /ajax/action.php
Modify /ajax/action.php to use prepared statements: $stmt = $conn->prepare('SELECT * FROM table WHERE content = ?'); $stmt->bind_param('s', $content);
WAF Rule Implementation
allDeploy web application firewall rules to block SQL injection patterns targeting the content parameter
Add WAF rule: SecRule ARGS:content "@detectSQLi" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict network access to the judging system using firewall rules to allow only trusted IPs
- Implement database user privilege reduction to limit potential damage from SQL injection
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test the /ajax/action.php endpoint with SQL injection payloads in the content parameter and observe database errors or unexpected behavior.Check Version:
Check software version in configuration files or admin panel, typically in config.php or similar files.Verify Fix Applied:
Attempt SQL injection tests after implementing fixes and confirm no database errors or unauthorized data access occurs.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- SQL syntax errors in web server logs
- Unusual database query patterns from web application
- Multiple failed login attempts following SQL errors
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to /ajax/action.php with SQL keywords in parameters
- Unusual database connection patterns from web server
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="/ajax/action.php" AND (content CONTAINS "UNION" OR content CONTAINS "SELECT" OR content CONTAINS "INSERT" OR content CONTAINS "DELETE")