CVE-2023-2425 in Simple Student Information System
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Simple Student Information System 1.0. It has been classified as problematic. This affects an unknown part of the file /classes/Master.php?f=save_course of the component Add New Course. The manipulation of the argument name with the input alert(document.cookie) leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-227751.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2023
This vulnerability exists within the SourceCodester Simple Student Information System version 1.0, specifically in the /classes/Master.php file where the Add New Course functionality is implemented. The flaw represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the course management component of the system, which could be exploited to compromise user sessions and access sensitive educational data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation within the file parameter handling mechanism. When users attempt to add new courses through the web interface, the application fails to sanitize the name parameter before processing it. The specific payload alert(document.cookie) demonstrates how an attacker can inject JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. The vulnerability's classification as remotely exploitable means that malicious actors can trigger the attack without requiring physical access to the system or local network privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates potential for session hijacking and data theft. When an attacker successfully injects the alert(document.cookie) payload, they can potentially access session cookies and other sensitive information stored in the browser. This capability could enable unauthorized access to administrative accounts, allowing attackers to modify student records, access confidential academic information, or even delete course data. The fact that this exploit has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used increases the risk profile significantly, as it represents a known attack vector that requires no advanced exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied data before processing, particularly when handling parameters that will be rendered in web pages. Implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script injection attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting known XSS vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's presence in a student information system particularly emphasizes the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive educational data and maintain user trust in the platform's integrity. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire application stack, following established security frameworks such as those recommended by the OWASP organization.