In August 2023, while trying to contact the Columbus State Community College Bookstore through their online form, I unexpectedly gained access to the form’s internal management interface. This is an area typically reserved for bookstore staff.

This security oversight inadvertently exposed sensitive data about individuals who had previously used the form, including student information and data from other users.

Recognizing the potential risk, I immediately reported the issue to the relevant authorities at the Columbus State Community College Bookstore. I’m pleased to report that the issue was promptly rectified on the same day, effectively minimizing the risk of data exposure.

It’s important to note that to exploit this vulnerability, one would have needed an active Columbus State Community College Bookstore account, which is only obtained upon making an online purchase. Furthermore, the potential threat actor would have needed to be online at the time. Given these specific conditions, it is unlikely that this security flaw was exploited by any malicious actors.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilant cybersecurity practices and the necessity for continuous monitoring and testing of online systems. It serves as a reminder that even systems perceived as secure can have vulnerabilities, and it is our shared responsibility to identify and address these issues promptly to safeguard sensitive data.