CVE-2023-46016 in Blood Bank
Summary
by MITRE • 11/14/2023
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) in abs.php in Code-Projects Blood Bank 1.0 allows attackers to run arbitrary code via the 'search' parameter in the application URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46016 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the Code-Projects Blood Bank 1.0 web application. This vulnerability specifically affects the abs.php script and manifests when an attacker manipulates the 'search' parameter in the application URL. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session, creating a significant security risk for users interacting with the blood bank management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the application's search functionality. When the application processes the 'search' parameter without proper sanitization measures, it fails to neutralize potentially malicious script content that could be embedded within the parameter value. This oversight creates an environment where attacker-controlled payloads can be executed in the victim's browser, leveraging the trust relationship between the user and the web application. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with multiple attack vectors for further exploitation. An attacker could leverage this XSS vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized transactions, modify database entries, or redirect users to malicious websites. The blood bank management system, which likely contains sensitive patient information and medical records, becomes a prime target for such attacks. The vulnerability essentially allows for persistent XSS attacks where malicious scripts can remain active within the application's interface, continuously compromising user sessions and potentially leading to data breaches.
Security practitioners should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. Input validation and output encoding should be strengthened throughout the application's codebase, particularly around the search parameter handling in abs.php. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script injection attacks. Regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual code review should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting, where attackers leverage scripting languages to execute malicious code. Organizations using this blood bank application should urgently apply patches or implement temporary workarounds to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization in healthcare applications where sensitive data protection is paramount to regulatory compliance and patient safety.