CVE-2019-9925 in S-CMS PHP
Summary
by MITRE
S-CMS PHP v1.0 has XSS in 4.edu.php via the S_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9925 affects S-CMS PHP version 1.0 and represents a cross-site scripting flaw located within the 4.edu.php script. This issue specifically manifests through the S_id parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that allows malicious actors to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code and passes it through the S_id parameter in the 4.edu.php endpoint. When the web application processes this parameter without adequate validation or sanitization, the injected script executes within the victim's browser context. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can manipulate the application's behavior, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices and inadequate output encoding mechanisms that are essential for preventing XSS attacks in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within the application environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal user credentials, modify content displayed to other users, or even escalate privileges if the application lacks proper access controls. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application, potentially compromising sensitive educational data managed by the S-CMS system. This type of flaw is particularly concerning in educational environments where user trust and data protection are paramount, as it could lead to unauthorized access to student records, grades, or institutional information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding practices. The primary defense mechanism involves sanitizing all user-supplied input through proper validation techniques and encoding output before rendering it in web pages. This includes implementing Content Security Policy headers, using proper HTML escaping functions, and ensuring that all dynamic content generation follows secure coding practices. Organizations should also implement regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities across their web applications. The remediation process requires developers to follow secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the ATT&CK framework's web application attack patterns, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through input manipulation. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts while maintaining the overall security posture of the S-CMS system.