CVE-2026-86217 in Hotel and Tourism Reservation in PHP
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2026
A vulnerability was detected in code-projects Hotel and Tourism Reservation in PHP 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file /ht/hotel_db%20(1).sql of the component Database Backup Handler. The manipulation results in information disclosure. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit is now public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2026
The identified vulnerability resides within code-projects Hotel and Tourism Reservation version 1.0, specifically affecting a function associated with the database backup handler component. This security flaw is located in the file designated as /ht/hotel_db%20(1).sql, where improper handling of SQL files leads to unauthorized information disclosure. The core technical issue stems from insufficient access controls or input validation mechanisms within the application's backend logic that processes these database dump files. When an attacker interacts with this endpoint, the system fails to restrict read operations appropriately, allowing sensitive data contained within the backup file to be exposed to external parties. This type of vulnerability is classically categorized under CWE-200, which covers Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor, and often relates to CWE-538 if it involves direct inclusion or processing of files that reveal internal structures without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant due to the nature of the data involved. Database backup files typically contain comprehensive snapshots of the application's state, including user credentials, personal identifiable information such as names and contact details for hotel guests, reservation histories, and potentially administrative configuration settings. The disclosure of such data can lead to severe privacy violations, regulatory non-compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA depending on the jurisdiction and data type, and facilitates further attacks by providing attackers with valuable intelligence about the system's architecture and user base. Since the exploit is publicly available, threat actors do not need to develop custom tools to leverage this weakness, significantly lowering the barrier for entry and increasing the likelihood of automated scanning and exploitation across vulnerable instances on the internet.
From a tactical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Collection and Exfiltration over C2 channels or via Application Layer Protocol. Specifically, it reflects behaviors associated with Data from Information Repositories where attackers query local databases or files to gather intelligence before proceeding to more intrusive actions like credential stuffing or privilege escalation. The remote nature of the attack vector means that no physical access or prior authentication is required, making this a high-risk issue for any publicly accessible deployment of the software. Attackers can probe for this endpoint using automated scanners and retrieve sensitive data with minimal effort once they identify the vulnerable version running on a target server.
Mitigation strategies must focus immediately on restricting access to administrative functions and database files. The most effective immediate remedy is to ensure that the /ht/ directory, which contains sensitive operational files including SQL backups, is not directly accessible via HTTP requests from unauthenticated users or external networks. Web servers should be configured with strict file permissions and directory listing disabled to prevent accidental exposure of backup files. Additionally, developers must implement robust access control checks within the PHP application code to verify user privileges before allowing any interaction with database management features. Upgrading to a patched version of the software if available is critical, as this will likely include fixes for the underlying logic flaws in the Database Backup Handler. In the interim, network-level controls such as firewall rules should be applied to block external access to administrative endpoints until the application code can be remediated. Regular security audits and static analysis tools should also be employed to detect similar patterns of insecure file handling in other parts of the codebase.