CVE-2013-3603 in Coursemill Learning Management System
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Coursemill Learning Management System (LMS) 6.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to error messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The CVE-2013-3603 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Coursemill Learning Management System version 6.6, specifically targeting the application's error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web output rendering, making it a prime example of how inadequate input validation can compromise web application security. The vulnerability exists in the way the LMS processes and displays error messages, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's defensive programming practices, particularly in its failure to properly sanitize and escape user-controllable data before rendering it in web responses.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate input parameters that trigger error conditions within the Coursemill LMS. When these error messages are subsequently displayed to users, the injected malicious scripts become part of the page content and execute in the victim's browser context. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers credential access through phishing with malicious attachments or links. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the LMS environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access to the system through malicious redirects or to steal sensitive information from authenticated users who interact with the compromised application.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3603 is substantial for organizations relying on Coursemill LMS for educational content delivery and user management. A successful exploitation could allow attackers to access course materials, user credentials, personal information, and potentially gain administrative privileges within the learning management system. This vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions where the LMS serves as a central repository for student data, grades, and communication channels. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker identifying input fields that generate error messages, crafting malicious payloads that exploit the XSS vulnerability, and then delivering these payloads through various attack vectors such as compromised user accounts, phishing campaigns, or direct injection into vulnerable parameters. Organizations may experience significant reputational damage, regulatory compliance issues, and potential legal consequences from data breaches resulting from this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3603 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding controls throughout the Coursemill LMS application. Organizations should implement comprehensive content security policies that prevent execution of unauthorized scripts and ensure all user-controllable data is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. The fix involves updating the LMS to a patched version that properly sanitizes error messages and implements proper HTML escaping mechanisms. Security measures should include implementing strict input validation routines, deploying web application firewalls, and establishing regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing security awareness training for administrators and users to recognize potential phishing attempts that could exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should also include thorough code reviews and security testing to prevent similar issues from emerging in other application components, aligning with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.