CVE-2020-36084 in Responsive E-Learning System
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2025
SQL Injection vulnerability in SourceCodester Responsive E-Learning System 1.0 allows remote attackers to inject sql query in /elearning/delete_teacher_students.php?id= parameter via id field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2025
The CVE-2020-36084 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Responsive E-Learning System version 1.0, specifically targeting the delete_teacher_students.php endpoint. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through the id parameter. The affected application fails to properly escape or validate the input received in the id field, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary sql commands that can be executed by the underlying database system.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection attacks, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in application security that enables attackers to manipulate database queries. The specific attack vector occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the id parameter in the delete_teacher_students.php script, where the application directly incorporates user input into sql statements without proper sanitization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows remote code execution capabilities and database manipulation, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire e-learning platform. Attackers can leverage this flaw to delete teacher and student records, modify user permissions, or access sensitive educational data including personal information, grades, and course materials. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for online educational platforms that store sensitive user data. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers may use this flaw to map the database structure and identify additional attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-36084 should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. The most effective remediation involves replacing direct sql query construction with prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql code from data input. Additionally, developers should implement comprehensive input sanitization routines that filter and validate all user-supplied data before processing. The application should also enforce proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other endpoints, while implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous sql query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.