CVE-2026-11508: SQL Injection in CodeAstro Leave Management System 1.0

Technical summary

The vulnerability resides in the administrative search functionality of CodeAstro Leave Management System 1.0. The /admin/search_staff_to_assign_pc.php endpoint accepts user-supplied input via the Name parameter without proper sanitization or parameterized query protection. This classic SQL injection flaw (CWE-89) stems from improper input validation (CWE-74), permitting attackers to append arbitrary SQL statements. The attack requires valid authentication credentials but no additional interaction, making it a straightforward post-authentication exploitation path. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.3 reflects the network-accessible attack surface, low complexity, and impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Business impact

Organizations deploying CodeAstro Leave Management System 1.0 risk unauthorized access to employee data, including personal information stored in the database. Attackers could extract sensitive HR records, modify employee assignments or leave balances, or corrupt the database to disrupt operations. If the system is internet-facing or accessible to multiple users, the attack surface expands. The post-authentication requirement limits exposure to insider threats or compromised user accounts, but the combination of public disclosure and ease of exploitation elevates urgency for patching.

Affected systems

CodeAstro Leave Management System version 1.0 is confirmed vulnerable. The attack targets the administrative interface, specifically the /admin/search_staff_to_assign_pc.php endpoint used for staff-to-PC assignment searches. Systems running this version and accessible over the network—whether on-premises or cloud-hosted—are at risk. Verify your inventory against version 1.0 and assess whether administrative interfaces are exposed to untrusted networks or user populations.

Exploitability

This vulnerability is highly exploitable in practice. Public disclosure means proof-of-concept code or exploitation techniques are likely available or easily reverse-engineered. The attack requires only valid administrative credentials and network access to the vulnerable endpoint; no complex interaction or user social engineering is necessary. The straightforward nature of SQL injection—particularly in a widely used HR management function—means even moderately skilled attackers can craft payloads to exfiltrate or corrupt data. Organizations should assume active exploitation attempts are underway or imminent.

Remediation

Upgrade CodeAstro Leave Management System to a patched version released by the vendor after the vulnerability disclosure date of June 8, 2026. Consult the CodeAstro security advisory for the exact version number and upgrade path. If a patch is unavailable or delayed, implement immediate compensating controls: restrict administrative interface access to a minimal set of trusted IP addresses or VPN networks, enforce multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts, and deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection patterns in the Name parameter. Monitor database logs for suspicious queries.

Patch guidance

Check CodeAstro's official website and security advisories for patched versions released after June 17, 2026 (the last modification date of this CVE record). Vendor advisories will specify the minimum patched version and any breaking changes. Test patches in a staging environment before production deployment to ensure compatibility with your leave management workflows. Given the post-authentication nature of the exploit, prioritize patching systems accessible to administrative users, then extend to all instances. Plan a phased rollout if your organization operates multiple instances.

Detection guidance

Monitor web server logs for unusual requests to /admin/search_staff_to_assign_pc.php, particularly those with URL-encoded or obfuscated payloads in the Name parameter (look for patterns like UNION, SELECT, OR 1=1, comment syntax --, /**/, or hex encoding). Enable SQL query logging on the backend database and alert on failed or anomalous queries from the application user. Inspect network traffic for administrative interface access outside normal business hours or from unexpected origins. Implement intrusion detection rules targeting SQL injection signatures. Regular security assessments and code review of custom queries in this file are recommended.

Why prioritize this

Although the CVSS score is 6.3 (MEDIUM), prioritize this vulnerability for immediate remediation due to: (1) public disclosure increasing exploitation likelihood, (2) low attack complexity and straightforward exploitation pathway, (3) direct impact on sensitive HR and employee data, (4) requirement for only valid credentials—meaning insider threats and compromised accounts are realistic attack vectors, and (5) potential for data exfiltration, modification, or service disruption. The absence of KEV listing does not diminish urgency; organizations should patch proactively rather than wait for CISA to add it to the known exploited list.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.3 (MEDIUM) reflects a network-accessible, low-complexity attack that requires authentication but impacts three security properties: confidentiality (read access to data), integrity (ability to modify records), and availability (potential database disruption). The CVSS does not account for public disclosure or the sensitivity of HR data in scope; security teams should apply organizational risk multipliers based on data classification and exposure. For many organizations, the practical risk is significantly higher than the numerical CVSS suggests.

Frequently asked questions