CVE-2023-2153 in Complaint Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 04/18/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Complaint Management System 1.0 and classified as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file admin/assets/plugins/DataTables/examples/examples_support/editable_ajax.php of the component POST Parameter Handler. The manipulation of the argument value with the input 1>alert(666) leads to cross site scripting. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-226274 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2153 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the SourceCodester Complaint Management System version 1.0. This security weakness resides in the admin/assets/plugins/DataTables/examples/examples_support/editable_ajax.php file, specifically within the POST parameter handler component. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle malicious user input, creating an exploitable entry point for attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's web interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the POST parameter value with the payload 1>alert(666), which demonstrates a classic reflected cross site scripting attack vector. This particular payload leverages the browser's interpretation of the javascript alert function to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability's remote attack vector means that malicious actors can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The fact that this exploit has been disclosed and is publicly available increases the risk profile significantly, as it removes the element of exploit discovery from the attack equation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can potentially enable attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The compromised application environment could allow for privilege escalation attacks if the affected system processes administrative requests through the vulnerable parameter handler. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-79, which describes cross site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links. The compromised system could serve as a foothold for more extensive attacks, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration.
Organizations utilizing this complaint management system should immediately implement mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly within the affected POST parameter handler component. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability's classification as a problematic issue within the SourceCodester system highlights the importance of keeping third party components updated and conducting thorough security assessments before deployment. Additionally, web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious payload patterns, and developers should follow secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in future implementations. The public disclosure of this exploit emphasizes the urgency of remediation efforts and the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both known and emerging threats in web application security.