CVE-2025-2661: Online Time Table Generator SQLi Flaw

CVE-2025-2661 Overview

A critical SQL injection vulnerability has been identified in Project Worlds Online Time Table Generator version 1.0. This vulnerability exists in the file /staff/index.php where the e parameter is improperly handled, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL queries. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying database.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying system through database exploitation techniques.

Affected Products

• Projectworlds Online Time Table Generator 1.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-03-23 - CVE-2025-2661 published to NVD
• 2025-07-09 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-2661

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL injection vulnerability occurs due to insufficient input validation and sanitization in the staff management functionality of the Online Time Table Generator application. The vulnerable endpoint /staff/index.php accepts user-supplied input through the e parameter without proper escaping or parameterized queries, allowing attackers to manipulate SQL query logic.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 (SQL Injection) and CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component). This indicates that user-controlled input is being directly concatenated into SQL queries without proper sanitization, a common but critical web application security flaw.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user input in the /staff/index.php file. The application directly incorporates the value of the e parameter into SQL queries without implementing prepared statements, parameterized queries, or adequate input validation. This allows attackers to break out of the intended SQL query context and inject arbitrary SQL commands.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable remotely via the network with no authentication required. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests containing SQL injection payloads in the e parameter. The attack requires no user interaction and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for exposed instances.

Typical exploitation scenarios include:

• Data Extraction: Using UNION-based or blind SQL injection techniques to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, personal data, and application secrets.
• Authentication Bypass: Manipulating authentication queries to gain unauthorized access to administrative or staff accounts.
• Data Manipulation: Modifying or deleting database records, including timetable information and user accounts.
• Database Enumeration: Discovering database structure, table names, and column information to facilitate further attacks.

The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of active exploitation. For technical details, refer to the GitHub Issue Discussion and VulDB #300677.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-2661

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual SQL syntax appearing in web server access logs for /staff/index.php
• Error messages containing SQL syntax errors or database information in application responses
• Unexpected database queries or connections from web application processes
• Anomalous patterns in the e parameter such as single quotes, SQL keywords (UNION, SELECT, OR, AND), or encoded characters

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests targeting /staff/index.php
• Monitor application logs for suspicious parameter values containing SQL metacharacters or keywords
• Deploy database activity monitoring to detect unusual query patterns or unauthorized data access
• Configure intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures for common SQL injection payloads

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging on web servers to capture full request parameters for the affected endpoint
• Set up alerts for database errors or exceptions that may indicate injection attempts
• Monitor for bulk data extraction patterns or unusual database query response sizes
• Implement rate limiting on the /staff/index.php endpoint to slow automated exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-2661

Immediate Actions Required

• Remove or restrict access to the Online Time Table Generator application until patched
• Implement web application firewall rules to block SQL injection attempts on the /staff/index.php endpoint
• Restrict network access to the application to trusted IP addresses only
• Review database logs for signs of prior exploitation and assess potential data compromise

Patch Information

As of the last update, no official patch has been released by the vendor for this vulnerability. Organizations using Project Worlds Online Time Table Generator 1.0 should contact the vendor directly or consider alternative solutions. Monitor the VulDB entry for updates on available fixes.

Workarounds

• Implement input validation on the e parameter at the web server or reverse proxy level to reject potentially malicious input
• Deploy a web application firewall with SQL injection detection capabilities in front of the application
• Consider taking the application offline until a proper fix is implemented if it handles sensitive data
• If source code access is available, modify the application to use prepared statements or parameterized queries for all database interactions

# Example WAF rule to block SQL injection attempts (ModSecurity)
SecRule ARGS:e "@detectSQLi" \
    "id:100001,\
    phase:2,\
    block,\
    msg:'SQL Injection attempt detected in e parameter',\
    log,\
    severity:'CRITICAL'"