CVE-2026-14695: SQL Injection in SourceCodester Grocery Management System 1.0

Technical summary

CVE-2026-14695 is a SQL injection flaw in the save_client function within classes/Users.php of the Registration Handler component. The Name parameter is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into a SQL query, allowing an unauthenticated attacker to inject arbitrary SQL syntax. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L) reflects network-based attack surface, low complexity, and impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability maps to CWE-74 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output) and CWE-89 (SQL Injection).

Business impact

Organizations deploying SourceCodester Multi-Vendor Online Grocery Management System 1.0 face direct risk of data breach, data manipulation, and potential service disruption. An attacker exploiting this flaw could extract customer information, order history, and payment records; modify transaction records; or delete critical data. If the system handles inventory management or supply chain operations, attackers could disrupt stock levels and fulfillment operations. The public availability of exploit code accelerates the likelihood of opportunistic attacks.

Affected systems

SourceCodester Multi-Vendor Online Grocery Management System version 1.0 is confirmed affected. The vulnerability resides in the user registration workflow, meaning any installation accepting new user signups is vulnerable. Verify whether your organization runs this specific version; the vendor/product metadata should be checked against the vendor's official documentation for scope confirmation.

Exploitability

This vulnerability is readily exploitable with low technical barriers. Network accessibility requires no authentication, no user interaction, and minimal attack complexity. The public disclosure of exploit code removes the exploitation research burden. An attacker can craft a simple HTTP request with SQL metacharacters (e.g., single quotes, UNION statements) in the Name field to retrieve, modify, or delete database records. Active exploitation is likely given the public PoC availability and the high-value target (e-commerce system with customer data).

Remediation

Immediate action is required. Apply security patches provided by SourceCodester as soon as available; check the vendor's security advisory for fixed version numbers and deployment instructions. As a temporary control, restrict access to the registration endpoint via Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that block common SQL injection patterns or require additional verification. Conduct a database audit to identify any unauthorized data access or modifications since the system was deployed.

Patch guidance

Contact SourceCodester directly or review their security advisories to obtain patched version information; verify patch version numbers against official vendor channels before deployment. Apply patches to all affected instances in development, staging, and production environments. Test patches thoroughly in a non-production environment to ensure compatibility with customizations or integrations. After patching, conduct a code review of the Registration Handler and related input-handling functions to identify similar injection vectors.

Detection guidance

Monitor application logs and database query logs for unusual SQL syntax patterns in the Name parameter, such as single quotes, UNION statements, comments (--), or xp_/sp_ stored procedure calls. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL injection attempts. Query database audit logs for unexpected SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE operations from the registration context. Search for HTTP requests to the registration endpoint containing encoded or obfuscated SQL keywords (e.g., %27, %55NION). Correlate registration attempts with subsequent anomalous database activity.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability warrants immediate patching due to the combination of high CVSS score (7.3), unauthenticated network exploitation, public exploit availability, and direct access to sensitive customer data. The attack requires no user interaction or special privileges, making it attractive to both opportunistic and targeted adversaries. The business criticality of an e-commerce system—handling customer records and transactions—amplifies the risk. Organizations running version 1.0 should treat this as a critical remediation priority.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.3 (HIGH) reflects a network-accessible flaw with low attack complexity and no authentication barrier. The vector indicates impact to confidentiality (data theft), integrity (data manipulation), and availability (service disruption). While the scope is unchanged (the attacker cannot elevate privilege beyond the database user context), the combination of trivial exploitability and high-value target justifies the HIGH severity. The public PoC elevates practical risk beyond the base score.

Frequently asked questions