CVE-2018-13422 in TCExam
Summary
by MITRE
TCExam before 14.1.2 has XSS via an ff_ or xl_ field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2023
TCExam version 14.1.1 and earlier contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts through ff_ or xl_ fields in the application. This vulnerability resides in the input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The flaw enables unauthorized execution of arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser when they interact with maliciously crafted input. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize input, which directly enables XSS attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting specially crafted ff_ or xl_ parameters that contain script tags or other malicious payloads. When the application processes these fields without proper sanitization, the malicious code executes in the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages common input fields that users might interact with during normal application usage, making it difficult to detect and prevent. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows execution of scripts in the victim environment. The impact extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft through session manipulation or browser-based phishing attacks. The vulnerability affects the application's web interface where these fields are processed, potentially compromising all users who interact with the affected application components. Organizations using TCExam versions prior to 14.1.2 should immediately implement security patches to mitigate this risk. The remediation involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code review processes. Security teams should also establish proper security awareness training for developers to prevent similar issues in other applications. The flaw represents a significant risk to user data integrity and application security, warranting immediate attention and remediation. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potential input validation issues within their web applications. Proper implementation of security controls including content security policies and input sanitization frameworks can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for security-focused development practices and regular security updates to protect against evolving threats. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities can lead to broader security incidents affecting entire user bases and organizational systems.