CVE-2025-28087 in Online Exam System
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2025
Sourcecodester Online Exam System 1.0 is vulnerable to SQL Injection via dash.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-28087 affects the Sourcecodester Online Exam System version 1.0, specifically targeting the dash.php component through SQL injection attacks. This represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized attackers to manipulate database queries and potentially gain full access to the underlying data repository. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the dashboard interface, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. Such weaknesses create an exploitable entry point that adversaries can leverage to extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even execute administrative commands on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability manifests through improper handling of user input in the dash.php script, which likely processes GET or POST parameters that are subsequently concatenated into SQL query strings. This pattern aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into database queries without adequate sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input strings that alter the intended SQL command structure, potentially enabling them to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract user credentials, access examination data, or manipulate test results. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the nature of an online exam system, which typically contains sensitive academic information, personal student data, and assessment records that require robust protection.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate data compromise to encompass broader security implications for educational institutions relying on this system. An attacker who successfully exploits this SQL injection flaw could potentially access student examination records, manipulate grades, compromise the integrity of the entire testing process, and gain unauthorized administrative access to the platform. This scenario directly violates security principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1190 technique for exploitation of remote services, specifically targeting web applications. The vulnerability also represents a failure in secure coding practices, as proper input validation and parameterized queries should have prevented the injection of malicious SQL code. Organizations using this system face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to exposure of sensitive educational data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-28087 must prioritize immediate remediation through input validation and parameterized query implementation. System administrators should implement proper input sanitization techniques, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Additionally, the affected dash.php component requires thorough code review to identify all input points that may be vulnerable to injection attacks. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms at the network level to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regular patch management and security updates should be implemented to maintain the system's resilience against evolving threat vectors.