CVE-2025-11657: Oranbyte School Management System RCE

CVE-2025-11657 Overview

A security vulnerability has been detected in Oranbyte School Management System affecting versions up to commit 6b6fae5426044f89c08d0dd101c7fa71f9042a59. This vulnerability impacts the file /assets/createNotice.php where manipulation of the File argument leads to unrestricted file upload. The attack can be initiated remotely without authentication, potentially allowing attackers to upload malicious files to the web server.

Critical Impact

Unrestricted file upload vulnerability enables remote attackers to upload arbitrary files including web shells and malicious scripts, potentially leading to complete server compromise.

Affected Products

• Oranbyte School Management System (versions up to commit 6b6fae5426044f89c08d0dd101c7fa71f9042a59)
• School Management System version 1.0

Discovery Timeline

• October 13, 2025 - CVE-2025-11657 published to NVD
• October 16, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-11657

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as an Unrestricted File Upload (CWE-434) with associated Improper Access Control (CWE-284). The vulnerable component resides in the /assets/createNotice.php endpoint, which handles file uploads for creating notices within the school management system. The application fails to properly validate or restrict the types of files that can be uploaded through the File parameter.

The exploit has been disclosed publicly and may be used by malicious actors. This product uses a rolling release model to deliver continuous updates, making it difficult to determine specific affected version numbers. The vulnerability is network-exploitable, requiring no authentication or user interaction to trigger.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is inadequate input validation on file uploads in the createNotice.php script. The application does not implement proper file type validation, file extension checks, or content-type verification on uploaded files. This allows attackers to bypass any intended restrictions and upload files with arbitrary extensions, including executable scripts such as PHP web shells.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote exploitation without any privileges or user interaction required. An attacker can craft a malicious HTTP POST request to the /assets/createNotice.php endpoint with a weaponized file payload. Since there are no file type restrictions, the attacker can upload a PHP script or other server-executable file that provides remote command execution capabilities once accessed via the web server.

The vulnerability mechanism involves:

1. An attacker identifies the vulnerable /assets/createNotice.php endpoint
2. A malicious file (e.g., PHP web shell) is crafted and sent via the File parameter
3. The application accepts the upload without validating file type or content
4. The uploaded file is stored in an accessible location on the server
5. The attacker accesses the uploaded file directly, executing arbitrary code

For technical details and proof-of-concept information, refer to the GitHub CVE Issue Tracker and VulDB entry #328074.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-11657

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file uploads to /assets/ directory with executable extensions (.php, .phtml, .php5)
• Web server logs showing POST requests to /assets/createNotice.php from unknown or suspicious IP addresses
• Presence of unexpected PHP files or web shells in upload directories
• Outbound connections from the web server to unknown external hosts

Detection Strategies

• Monitor HTTP POST requests to /assets/createNotice.php for suspicious file uploads
• Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on web-accessible directories to detect unauthorized file additions
• Configure web application firewalls (WAF) to inspect and block uploads containing PHP code or executable content
• Review web server access logs for patterns indicating upload exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all file upload operations in the School Management System
• Set up alerts for new file creation events in web-accessible upload directories
• Monitor for anomalous web server process behavior that could indicate web shell execution
• Implement network monitoring for command-and-control traffic patterns from web server hosts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-11657

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict access to /assets/createNotice.php using IP whitelisting or authentication controls
• Implement server-side file type validation that checks both extension and MIME type
• Configure the web server to prevent execution of uploaded files in upload directories
• Review existing uploaded files for any malicious content and remove suspicious files immediately

Patch Information

This product uses a rolling release model for continuous updates. No specific patch version has been announced. Organizations should monitor the official project repository for security updates and apply the latest commits that address this vulnerability. Contact the vendor (Oranbyte) for guidance on obtaining patched versions of the School Management System.

Workarounds

• Disable the file upload functionality in /assets/createNotice.php until a proper fix is applied
• Move uploaded files to a non-web-accessible directory and serve them through a secure handler
• Implement a whitelist of allowed file extensions (e.g., only .jpg, .png, .pdf) for notice attachments
• Add .htaccess rules to prevent PHP execution in upload directories

# Apache configuration to prevent PHP execution in uploads directory
<Directory "/var/www/html/assets/uploads">
    php_admin_flag engine off
    <FilesMatch "\.php$">
        Deny from all
    </FilesMatch>
</Directory>