CVE-2024-0773 in Internet Banking System
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2024
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in CodeAstro Internet Banking System 1.0. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file pages_client_signup.php. The manipulation of the argument Client Full Name leads to cross site scripting. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-251677 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0773 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the CodeAstro Internet Banking System version 1.0. This security weakness specifically affects the pages_client_signup.php file and demonstrates how improper input validation can compromise user sessions and sensitive financial data. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of the Client Full Name parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the web application's response. The attack vector is remotely exploitable, meaning that threat actors can leverage this weakness without requiring physical access to the system or direct network proximity. This particular vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used in the wild, as indicated by the VDB-251677 identifier assigned by the vulnerability database. The cross site scripting vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to hijack user sessions or redirect victims to malicious websites. The implications extend beyond simple script execution as this flaw can potentially enable session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the banking environment. The remote exploit capability significantly amplifies the threat surface, allowing attackers to target users from any location with internet access. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning for financial institutions where user trust and data integrity are paramount. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application's client registration process. The attack can be executed through simple HTTP requests that include malicious script payloads in the Client Full Name field, making it accessible even to attackers with minimal technical expertise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before rendering it in web pages. When a user submits a registration request with malicious JavaScript code in the Client Full Name field, the application stores and displays this input without adequate sanitization. This creates a persistent XSS condition where the malicious script executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content. The flaw exists in the server-side processing of user data, specifically within the signup page functionality where user input is not adequately validated or escaped. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in web application development, particularly in the handling of user-supplied data within web forms. Attackers can craft payloads that exploit the XSS vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or execute other malicious actions that compromise the integrity of the banking system. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on web-based banking services. This type of vulnerability is classified under the attack pattern category of persistent XSS within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to T1566.001 which covers Spearphishing Attachment. The attack can be automated and scaled to target multiple users simultaneously, amplifying the potential damage to the affected banking system.
Organizations utilizing the CodeAstro Internet Banking System version 1.0 must implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect their users and infrastructure from exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary remediation approach involves implementing strict input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's data processing pipeline. This includes sanitizing all user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, implementing proper HTML escaping for dynamic content, and utilizing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution. The system should also employ proper parameter validation to ensure that client names contain only expected characters and lengths. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities within their web applications. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to the banking system to address known vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also establish monitoring procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability. User education and awareness programs should be implemented to help users recognize and avoid potential phishing attempts that might leverage this vulnerability. The organization should also consider implementing a vulnerability management program that regularly assesses and addresses security weaknesses in their web applications. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation issues across the entire application stack. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for continuous security assessment in financial web applications.