CVE-2025-13572 Overview
A SQL Injection vulnerability has been identified in Projectworlds Advanced Library Management System version 1.0. This vulnerability affects the /delete_admin.php file, where improper handling of the admin_id parameter allows attackers to inject malicious SQL statements. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, potentially compromising the underlying database and the integrity of the library management system.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database through the admin_id parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of administrative records.
Affected Products
- Projectworlds Advanced Library Management System 1.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-23 - CVE-2025-13572 published to NVD
- 2025-12-02 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-13572
Vulnerability Analysis
This SQL Injection vulnerability exists in the /delete_admin.php endpoint of the Advanced Library Management System. The application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input in the admin_id parameter before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classic injection flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting crafted SQL syntax through the vulnerable parameter.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (SQL Injection) and CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component). SQL Injection vulnerabilities in administrative functions are particularly dangerous as they can lead to complete compromise of user credentials, administrative accounts, and sensitive library data.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is the lack of proper input validation and parameterized queries in the /delete_admin.php file. The admin_id parameter is directly concatenated into SQL statements without sanitization, escaping, or the use of prepared statements. This allows special SQL characters and commands to be interpreted as part of the query structure rather than as literal data values.
Attack Vector
The attack can be performed remotely over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests to the /delete_admin.php endpoint, manipulating the admin_id parameter to include SQL injection payloads. This allows the attacker to:
- Extract sensitive data from the database including user credentials
- Modify or delete database records
- Bypass authentication mechanisms
- Potentially achieve command execution on the underlying server depending on database configuration
The vulnerability is publicly documented, with technical details available in the GitHub Report Document. Additional tracking information is available through VulDB #333336.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-13572
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual or malformed requests to /delete_admin.php containing SQL syntax characters such as single quotes, double dashes, or UNION statements
- Web server access logs showing repeated requests to the vulnerable endpoint with varying admin_id parameter values
- Database error messages appearing in application responses or logs
- Unexpected database query patterns or slow query logs indicating injection attempts
- Unauthorized modifications to administrator records in the database
Detection Strategies
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the admin_id parameter
- Enable detailed logging on the web server and database to capture suspicious query patterns
- Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for common SQL injection attack strings
- Monitor for anomalous database activity such as bulk data extraction or unauthorized DELETE operations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Continuously monitor access logs for the /delete_admin.php endpoint for suspicious activity
- Set up alerts for database errors that may indicate failed injection attempts
- Implement real-time monitoring of database query logs for injection patterns
- Review administrative account changes and deletions for unauthorized modifications
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-13572
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to /delete_admin.php through network segmentation or access control lists until a patch is available
- Implement a web application firewall with SQL injection protection rules
- Disable or remove the vulnerable endpoint if the functionality is not critical
- Review and audit all administrative accounts for unauthorized changes
- Consider taking the application offline if it contains sensitive data and cannot be adequately protected
Patch Information
No official vendor patch is currently available for this vulnerability. Organizations using Projectworlds Advanced Library Management System 1.0 should implement the workarounds described below and monitor for vendor updates. For technical details on the vulnerability, refer to the VulDB CTI entry.
Workarounds
- Implement input validation to ensure the admin_id parameter only accepts numeric values
- Use prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions
- Deploy a web application firewall to filter malicious SQL injection payloads
- Restrict network access to the administrative interface to trusted IP addresses only
- Apply the principle of least privilege to database accounts used by the application
# Example Apache configuration to restrict access to vulnerable endpoint
<Location /delete_admin.php>
Require ip 10.0.0.0/8
Require ip 192.168.0.0/16
</Location>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
