CVE-2026-16154 Overview
CVE-2026-16154 is a SQL injection vulnerability in SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0. The flaw resides in the /edit_room1.php script, where the ID parameter is passed to a database query without proper sanitization. Attackers can inject arbitrary SQL statements remotely without authentication or user interaction. The exploit has been publicly disclosed, increasing the risk of opportunistic attacks against exposed instances. This weakness is classified under [CWE-74] (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component).
Critical Impact
Remote, unauthenticated attackers can manipulate backend database queries through the ID parameter of /edit_room1.php, enabling data disclosure, modification, or deletion.
Affected Products
- SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0
- Component: /edit_room1.php
- Parameter: ID
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-18 - CVE-2026-16154 published to NVD
- 2026-07-20 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-16154
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability exists in the edit_room1.php script of SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0. The script accepts the ID argument from user-supplied input and passes it into a SQL query without validation, escaping, or parameterization. This allows an attacker to break out of the intended query context and append their own SQL logic.
Because the attack is performed over the network and requires no privileges or user interaction, exploitation is straightforward. A crafted HTTP request targeting /edit_room1.php?ID= with malicious payload characters is sufficient to trigger the flaw. Public disclosure of the exploit further lowers the barrier for attackers.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in the ID parameter [CWE-74]. The application concatenates untrusted input directly into a SQL statement rather than using prepared statements or parameter binding. Standard SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, comments, and UNION clauses can therefore alter query structure.
Attack Vector
An attacker sends an HTTP request to /edit_room1.php with a malicious value in the ID parameter. Injected SQL can be used to extract database contents, bypass authentication logic, modify records, or enumerate schema. No credentials are required, and the attack is remotely reachable wherever the application is exposed. Technical details are available in the GitHub Issue Discussion and VulDB CVE Details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-16154
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to /edit_room1.php containing SQL metacharacters in the ID parameter such as ', --, UNION, or SLEEP(.
- Unexpected database errors or verbose SQL error messages returned by the timetabling application.
- Anomalous outbound traffic or unusually large HTTP responses from the application server following requests to edit_room1.php.
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to inspect the ID parameter of /edit_room1.php for SQL injection signatures.
- Enable database query logging and correlate malformed or unusually long queries with the originating HTTP request.
- Review web server access logs for repeated requests to edit_room1.php from a single source with varying ID values.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on HTTP 500 responses or database exceptions generated by edit_room1.php.
- Monitor for UNION SELECT, boolean-based, and time-based SQL injection patterns in URL query strings.
- Track authentication failures and privilege changes in the application database following suspicious requests.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-16154
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to the Class and Exam Timetabling System until a fix is applied, using firewall rules or VPN gating.
- Deploy WAF signatures that block SQL injection payloads targeting the ID parameter on /edit_room1.php.
- Review database and application logs for signs of prior exploitation and rotate any credentials stored in the affected database.
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no official vendor patch is referenced in the NVD entry. Administrators should monitor the SourceCodester Security Insights site and the VulDB Vulnerability Information page for updates. Until a patch is available, apply the workarounds below.
Workarounds
- Modify edit_room1.php to use prepared statements with bound parameters (for example, PDO or mysqli with bind_param) instead of string concatenation.
- Cast the ID value to an integer server-side before it reaches the SQL query.
- Disable or remove the edit_room1.php endpoint if it is not required for production use.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
