CVE-2006-3924 in Dokeos
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Dokeos before 1.6.5 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3924 represents a critical security flaw in the Dokeos learning management system version 1.6.4 and earlier. This issue manifests as multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the Dokeos platform, creating exploitable entry points that can be leveraged by malicious actors to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive educational data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. These vulnerabilities occur when the application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, potentially including form fields, URL parameters, or other user-controllable inputs within the Dokeos interface. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject malicious content that persists within the application's user interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to manipulate the learning environment and potentially compromise the integrity of educational content. In an educational setting, this vulnerability could allow malicious actors to inject harmful scripts that affect multiple users simultaneously, potentially disrupting learning activities or gaining access to sensitive student information. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on web-based learning platforms. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Dokeos, which is designed for educational institutions, potentially exposing student records, course materials, and administrative data to unauthorized access.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to Dokeos version 1.6.5 or later, which contains patches addressing these XSS vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation measures, including the use of proper HTML escaping and sanitization techniques for all user-supplied content. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper application-level fixes. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of their educational technology infrastructure, particularly focusing on input handling and output encoding practices. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the risks of clicking suspicious links or entering untrusted content into web applications, as social engineering remains a common vector for exploiting such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to maintain ongoing protection against similar threats.