CVE-2022-41445 in Teachers Record Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2022
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Record Management System using CodeIgniter 1.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the Add Subject page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41445 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within a Record Management System that employs the CodeIgniter 1.0 framework. This vulnerability exists in the Add Subject page functionality, where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to the browser. The flaw stems from inadequate output encoding and input validation mechanisms that fail to prevent malicious script injection attempts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that contain executable JavaScript code or HTML elements, which when submitted through the vulnerable form field, get stored and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. This weakness occurs when an application includes untrusted data in a new web page without proper validation or encoding, or when it reuses a data stream without re-encoding it. The CodeIgniter 1.0 framework's default security mechanisms appear insufficient to prevent this type of injection, as the system fails to implement proper sanitization routines for user-supplied content. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with basic web security knowledge to compromise the application's integrity and user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, manipulate data, or redirect users to malicious websites. When an attacker successfully injects malicious scripts, they can access cookies, session tokens, and other sensitive data that users have stored in their browsers. This vulnerability can also facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, data exfiltration, and the deployment of additional malware through browser-based exploits. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in a record management system, which typically handles sensitive data and user information that organizations rely upon for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41445 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations must ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being processed or stored, utilizing parameterized queries and proper HTML encoding techniques. The recommended approach includes implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, employing proper input validation routines, and upgrading to a more recent version of the CodeIgniter framework that includes enhanced security features. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing can provide additional layers of protection. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework guidance for web application security, particularly in the area of persistent threats and credential access, where XSS vulnerabilities can serve as initial access vectors for more comprehensive attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.