SQL Injection in SourceCodester Class and Exam Timetabling System 1.0 /preview.php

Successful exploitation can allow a remote attacker to manipulate backend database queries. Depending on the application's database privileges and query context, this may result in unauthorized disclosure of database contents, modification or deletion of records, authentication bypass in some scenarios, and broader database-level compromise. Because the attack is remote and exploit details are public, the operational risk is elevated.

As an interim measure, restrict access to the vulnerable application or specifically to /preview.php using network controls, authentication, or IP allowlisting where feasible. Deploy or tune a WAF or equivalent filtering control to detect and block SQL injection payloads targeting course_year_section. Increase monitoring for anomalous requests to /preview.php and suspicious database activity. These measures may reduce exposure but do not replace code-level remediation.

Upgrade to a vendor-fixed release if one is available. If no patched version exists, remediate the vulnerable code in /preview.php by replacing dynamic SQL construction involving course_year_section with parameterized queries or prepared statements. Apply strict server-side input validation and type enforcement for the parameter, and review adjacent code paths for similar SQL injection patterns. Verify that the database account used by the application operates with least privilege to reduce impact.