CVE-2025-4837
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2025-4837 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability in Projectworlds Student Project Allocation System 1.0 that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the mem1/mem2/mem3 parameters in /make_group_sql.php. This affects all users running the vulnerable version of this student management software. Successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Projectworlds Student Project Allocation System
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise including data theft, data manipulation, privilege escalation, and potential server takeover via SQL injection to RCE chaining.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive student/project data, database manipulation, and potential authentication bypass.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and WAF rules blocking SQL injection patterns.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit details are publicly disclosed on GitHub, making weaponization straightforward for attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None found
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Consider removing or replacing the software with a secure alternative.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation and Sanitization
allAdd parameter validation and SQL injection protection to /make_group_sql.php
Edit /make_group_sql.php to implement prepared statements with parameterized queries
Web Application Firewall Rules
allBlock SQL injection patterns targeting mem1/mem2/mem3 parameters
Add WAF rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts on the vulnerable endpoint
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove or restrict access to /make_group_sql.php file via web server configuration
- Implement network segmentation and restrict access to the application to trusted users only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if /make_group_sql.php exists and accepts mem1/mem2/mem3 parameters without proper input validationCheck Version:
Check software version in application interface or configuration filesVerify Fix Applied:
Test that SQL injection attempts on mem1/mem2/mem3 parameters are properly blocked or sanitized📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed parameter validation attempts on /make_group_sql.php
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to /make_group_sql.php with SQL injection patterns in parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND uri="/make_group_sql.php" AND (param="mem1" OR param="mem2" OR param="mem3") AND (content="UNION" OR content="SELECT" OR content="INSERT" OR content="DELETE")