CVE-2026-11482 Overview
CVE-2026-11482 is a SQL injection vulnerability in SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0. The flaw exists in an unknown function within the /archive5.php file. Attackers can manipulate the sy parameter to inject arbitrary SQL statements into backend database queries. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication or user interaction. A public exploit has been disclosed, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic attacks against exposed installations. The weakness falls under [CWE-74] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component).
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can inject SQL commands through the sy parameter of /archive5.php, potentially exposing or modifying timetabling database records.
Affected Products
- SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0
- Deployments exposing /archive5.php to untrusted networks
- Web applications inheriting the unpatched SourceCodester codebase
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-08 - CVE-2026-11482 published to NVD
- 2026-06-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-11482
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in /archive5.php, which accepts the sy request parameter and incorporates it into a SQL query without proper sanitization or parameterization. Because the parameter flows directly into the database engine, attackers can append SQL operators, UNION clauses, or boolean conditions to alter query logic. Successful exploitation can expose schedule records, user data, or administrative configuration stored within the timetabling database.
The attack requires no privileges and no user interaction. The exploit is publicly available, which lowers the skill barrier for opportunistic attackers scanning for vulnerable SourceCodester deployments.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of user-supplied input passed through the sy parameter. The application concatenates the parameter into a SQL statement instead of using prepared statements or parameter binding. This pattern is consistent with [CWE-74] injection weaknesses where untrusted input reaches a downstream interpreter.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to /archive5.php containing malicious SQL syntax in the sy parameter. The injected payload is executed by the database engine within the privileges of the application's database user. Depending on configuration, this can yield data extraction, authentication bypass via record manipulation, or further pivoting into the host environment.
No verified exploit code is reproduced here. Technical details are referenced in the VulDB entry for CVE-2026-11482 and the associated GitHub issue discussion.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-11482
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to /archive5.php containing SQL meta-characters such as ', --, UNION, or SELECT in the sy parameter.
- Web server access logs showing anomalous response sizes or HTTP 500 errors from /archive5.php.
- Database error messages referencing syntax errors in queries that include user-controlled values from the sy argument.
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to inspect query strings to /archive5.php for SQL injection patterns.
- Enable database query logging and alert on queries containing unexpected UNION, SLEEP, or comment sequences originating from the timetabling application.
- Correlate authentication anomalies with concurrent requests to /archive5.php to identify potential session or data tampering.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Continuously monitor outbound database traffic for unusual data volumes that may indicate exfiltration.
- Track repeated 4xx and 5xx HTTP responses against /archive5.php as a signal of injection probing.
- Forward web and database logs to a centralized analytics platform for retrospective hunting against known SQL injection signatures.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-11482
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict access to /archive5.php using network controls or authentication proxies until a patch is applied.
- Audit existing database accounts used by the application and revoke unnecessary privileges to limit blast radius.
- Review web server and database logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts referencing the sy parameter.
Patch Information
No official vendor patch has been published in the referenced advisories at the time of disclosure. Operators should monitor the SourceCodester project site and the VulDB vulnerability record #369102 for remediation updates. Until a fix is available, apply compensating controls and consider replacing concatenated SQL with parameterized queries in any locally maintained fork.
Workarounds
- Implement a WAF rule that blocks requests to /archive5.php where the sy parameter contains SQL keywords or special characters.
- Refactor the /archive5.php query to use prepared statements with bound parameters if source-level changes are feasible.
- Enforce input validation that restricts the sy parameter to an expected format such as a numeric school year.
# Example ModSecurity rule blocking SQLi patterns on the sy parameter
SecRule ARGS:sy "@rx (?i)(union(.*?)select|--|;|/\*|\bor\b\s+1=1)" \
"id:1026114820,phase:2,deny,status:403,\
msg:'Potential SQL Injection targeting CVE-2026-11482 in /archive5.php'"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
