CVE-2023-49987 in School Fees Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2024
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the component /management/term of School Fees Management System v1.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the tname parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-49987 resides within the School Fees Management System version 1.0, specifically affecting the /management/term component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within the targeted application. The vulnerability manifests through the tname parameter, which serves as an entry point for attackers to craft and inject malicious payloads that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The affected system processes user input without proper sanitization or validation, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive student financial data within the school management system. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including phishing attempts and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize input received through the tname parameter. When users submit data through this interface, the system does not adequately filter or encode the input before processing or displaying it within the web page context. This lack of input validation creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the victim's browser when the affected page is rendered. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a management component that likely handles sensitive educational data, making it a prime target for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious JavaScript code that can steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or modify the application's behavior. The vulnerability's persistence in the system suggests a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture, indicating that proper input validation mechanisms are either absent or inadequately implemented. This weakness can be exploited across different browsers and platforms, making it a widespread threat to the application's users.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-49987 extends beyond immediate script execution to encompass broader security implications for the entire school fees management ecosystem. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive student financial information, manipulate payment records, and compromise the integrity of the entire financial management system. The attack surface is particularly broad given that the vulnerable component is part of the management interface, which likely requires elevated privileges and handles confidential data. This vulnerability can enable attackers to perform unauthorized actions within the system, including creating fraudulent transactions, modifying existing records, or even gaining administrative access. The potential for data breaches increases significantly as the vulnerability allows for persistent script injection that can remain active until the application is patched or the affected parameter is properly sanitized. Organizations using this system face substantial risks including regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences due to inadequate data protection measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-49987 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing or rendering it within the application context. This includes applying strict validation rules to the tname parameter and ensuring that all dynamic content is properly escaped or encoded to prevent script execution. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including content security policies, input sanitization libraries, and regular security testing procedures to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams must also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential XSS attack vectors within the application. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews, implementation of secure coding practices, and establishment of proper input validation frameworks. Additionally, regular security training for developers and system administrators is essential to prevent the recurrence of such vulnerabilities, as the root cause often stems from insufficient security awareness during the development lifecycle. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect and alert on potential XSS vulnerabilities during the development and deployment phases.