CVE-2006-3914 in Blackboard Academic Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Blackboard Academic Suite 6.2.3.23 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary HTML or web script by bypassing client-side validation through disabling JavaScript when submitting an essay response, which has no server-side validation before being viewed via "View Attempt Details" in the Gradebook.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within Blackboard Academic Suite version 6.2.3.23 where authenticated users can exploit a client-side validation bypass mechanism to inject malicious HTML or web scripts. The flaw occurs specifically when users submit essay responses by disabling JavaScript in their browsers, which allows them to circumvent the intended client-side security measures. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper server-side validation, creating a critical security gap that enables persistent XSS attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and sanitization. When users disable JavaScript, they bypass the client-side filters that would normally prevent malicious code injection, allowing attackers to submit content that contains embedded scripts or HTML elements. The system fails to perform adequate server-side validation before storing and rendering the submitted content, particularly when it appears in the "View Attempt Details" section of the Gradebook module. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture where client-side protections are treated as sufficient security controls rather than merely user experience enhancements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code within the context of other users' browsers. This creates significant risks including session hijacking, credential theft, and potential lateral movement within the educational institution's network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in an academic environment where Blackboard systems typically handle sensitive student data, grades, and personal information. Attackers could exploit this flaw to view or modify grade records, access confidential student information, or even redirect users to malicious sites that appear legitimate within the Blackboard interface.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and follows patterns commonly seen in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "T1566: Phishing with Social Engineering" and "T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter" where attackers leverage web-based vulnerabilities to execute malicious payloads. Organizations using Blackboard Academic Suite 6.2.3.23 should implement immediate mitigations including comprehensive server-side input validation, output encoding for all user-supplied content, and regular security audits of web applications. The fix requires implementing robust sanitization routines that strip or encode potentially dangerous characters and elements before storing user submissions, ensuring that even if client-side validation is bypassed, the server maintains strict control over content processing and rendering. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies and regular security training for administrators to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other web applications.