CVE-2023-7136 in Record Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 12/28/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in code-projects Record Management System 1.0. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file /main/doctype.php of the component Document Type Handler. The manipulation of the argument docname with the input "> leads to cross site scripting. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-249139.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2024
This vulnerability resides within the code-projects Record Management System version 1.0, specifically targeting the Document Type Handler component through the /main/doctype.php file. The flaw represents a classic cross site scripting vulnerability that arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data. The vulnerability is triggered when the docname parameter is manipulated with the input character sequence "> which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary javascript code into the application's response. This particular attack vector demonstrates how insufficient sanitization of user inputs can lead to persistent security weaknesses in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the CWE-79 pattern for cross site scripting, where the application fails to properly encode or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed remotely through web browsers, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any user who has access to the affected application. The disclosure of the exploit to the public community significantly increases the risk exposure as malicious actors can readily implement the attack without requiring advanced technical knowledge or specialized tools. This vulnerability specifically affects the document type handling functionality where user inputs are directly rendered without proper context-aware encoding or validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially gaining access to sensitive data or performing unauthorized actions. The remote exploitability means that this vulnerability can be targeted from any location with internet access, making it a significant concern for organizations that have not yet patched their systems. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates that it poses a substantial risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system's data and user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Record Management System to address the input validation flaw in the Document Type Handler component. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate and encode all user-supplied data before processing or rendering it within web responses. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense in depth against script injection attacks, while regular security testing and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and respond to exploitation attempts. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for social engineering, highlighting the need for layered security approaches. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-352 for cross site request forgery and CWE-79 for cross site scripting, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive secure coding practices and input validation controls.