CVE-2022-4253 in Canteen Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 12/01/2022
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Canteen Management System. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects the function builtin_echo of the file customer.php. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-214630 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4253 resides within the SourceCodester Canteen Management System, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises web application security. This vulnerability specifically targets the builtin_echo function located within the customer.php file, demonstrating how improper input handling can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users, potentially enabling session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions within the application's context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient output encoding and validation of user-supplied data within the customer.php file. When the builtin_echo function processes and displays user input without proper sanitization, it creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the victim's browser context. This represents a classic XSS vulnerability pattern where data flows from user input directly to output without adequate security controls. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as the failure to properly encode output, allowing malicious scripts to be executed in the victim's browser. The attack vector is entirely remote, meaning no local access is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through web browsers without any additional privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive customer information and system functionalities within the canteen management environment. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to steal user sessions, modify customer data, or even gain unauthorized access to administrative functions if the application lacks proper access controls. The public disclosure of this exploit, as indicated by VDB-214630, increases the risk profile significantly since threat actors can readily implement the attack without requiring advanced technical knowledge. This vulnerability affects the core customer management functionality of the system, potentially compromising the entire customer database and user authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4253 must focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the affected application code. The builtin_echo function in customer.php should be modified to sanitize all user inputs before rendering them in web pages, utilizing proper HTML encoding techniques to prevent script injection. Security controls should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, employing proper input validation routines, and conducting regular security testing of web application components. The vulnerability's exposure through the ATT&CK framework would be categorized under T1203, which covers exploit public-facing applications, and T1566, related to spearphishing through social engineering. Organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewalls, conduct regular penetration testing, and ensure all web application components undergo security code reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the system.