CVE-2023-1397 in Online Student Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 03/14/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in SourceCodester Online Student Management System 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file profile.php. The manipulation of the argument adminname leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-222984.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2023
This vulnerability resides within the SourceCodester Online Student Management System version 1.0, specifically targeting the profile.php file where an insecure input handling flaw exists. The issue manifests when the adminname parameter is processed without proper sanitization or validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. This cross-site scripting vulnerability operates at the application layer and represents a classic weakness in web application security where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into dynamic web content without adequate filtering mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates the potential for significant impact given the nature of XSS attacks and the administrative context of the affected parameter.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing JavaScript code and submits it through the adminname argument within the profile.php endpoint. This allows the malicious script to execute within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected profile page, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or local network presence, as they can leverage the web interface to deliver their payloads. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and the attack vector maps to the web application attack surface as defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the web application exploitation category.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it compromises the integrity of the administrative interface and potentially the entire student management system. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, modify student records, or escalate privileges within the system. The disclosed exploit status increases the risk level significantly as it provides attackers with a ready-made method for exploitation, reducing the barrier to successful attacks. This vulnerability undermines the trust model of the web application and could lead to data breaches, unauthorized modifications, or complete system compromise depending on the privileges associated with the adminname parameter. Organizations relying on this system face potential regulatory compliance issues and reputational damage if such vulnerabilities are exploited in real-world scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters within the profile.php file. Implementing proper parameter sanitization and using context-specific output encoding techniques will prevent malicious scripts from executing within browser contexts. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests containing known XSS payload patterns. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection layers against script execution. Additionally, the system should be updated to the latest version if available, as this vulnerability likely represents a known issue that has been addressed in subsequent releases. Security awareness training for developers regarding secure coding practices and the importance of input validation should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.