CVE-2026-14770: SQL Injection in SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0

Technical summary

CVE-2026-14770 is a SQL injection flaw (CWE-89) stemming from improper input validation (CWE-74) in the /edit_room.php endpoint of SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0. The ID parameter is processed unsafely, permitting attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that execute within the application's database context. The attack vector is network-accessible, requires no authentication or user interaction, and affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying database. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.3 (HIGH) reflects the combination of remote accessibility, low attack complexity, and multi-faceted impact on system security.

Business impact

Organizations deploying this timetabling system face potential exposure of sensitive institutional data (student records, exam schedules, personnel information), unauthorized modification of educational schedules and records, and possible system downtime if database operations are disrupted. Educational institutions and universities managing large class rosters are particularly vulnerable to reputational damage and regulatory compliance violations if student data is compromised. The public availability of exploit code increases the likelihood of opportunistic attacks against unpatched instances.

Affected systems

SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System version 1.0 is confirmed vulnerable. Organizations should verify whether they are running version 1.0 or whether this codebase has been integrated into other institutional scheduling or management platforms. The affected component /edit_room.php is a core function of the system and likely accessed by administrators or educators managing classroom and examination resources.

Exploitability

This vulnerability is readily exploitable: it requires only network access, no prior authentication, no user interaction, and features low attack complexity. The public disclosure of exploit code as of July 2026 means attackers already have functional proof-of-concept tools. Automated scanning and exploitation is feasible, and threat actors can rapidly identify and compromise unpatched instances at scale. Any internet-exposed instance running version 1.0 should be considered under immediate threat.

Remediation

Immediately verify your organization's version of SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System. Contact the vendor for availability of patched releases addressing CVE-2026-14770. If no patch is available, implement network segmentation to restrict access to /edit_room.php to trusted administrative networks only, and deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule to block malformed ID parameters. Consider migrating to a maintained, actively supported timetabling solution if the vendor cannot provide timely security updates.

Patch guidance

Check the SourceCodester vendor advisory for available patched versions. Apply patches to all instances running version 1.0 as soon as they are released and tested in a staging environment. Verify patch application by confirming the updated version number and testing the /edit_room.php endpoint against known SQL injection patterns. If the vendor has released version 1.1 or later, prioritize deployment. If no patch timeline is provided by the vendor, escalate to management regarding continued use of the product.

Detection guidance

Monitor application logs for /edit_room.php requests containing SQL metacharacters (single quotes, double dashes, semicolons, UNION keywords) in the ID parameter. Enable database query logging to detect anomalous SQL statements executed via the application. Deploy intrusion detection signatures targeting SQL injection patterns in HTTP GET/POST parameters. Conduct a baseline audit of all instances running version 1.0 in your environment using network scanning or asset management tools. Review access logs for successful exploitation indicators such as unexpected database schema queries or data exfiltration patterns.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability merits immediate remediation attention due to: (1) unauthenticated remote exploitability requiring no user interaction; (2) public availability of exploit code; (3) HIGH CVSS severity score; (4) potential for data breach and system compromise; and (5) the educational sector's sensitivity to data protection regulations (FERPA, GDPR, etc.). Organizations should treat this as a critical patch cycle priority, not a routine monthly update.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.3 (HIGH) reflects a network-accessible SQL injection vulnerability with no authentication requirement, low attack complexity, and direct impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The score is not CRITICAL (9.0+) because the attack scope remains unchanged (database within the application's own security context) and does not permit out-of-band data theft without additional chaining. However, the combination of ease of exploitation and data sensitivity in educational environments warrants treating this as a top-tier remediation candidate.

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