CVE-2024-1022 in Simple Student Result Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 01/30/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in CodeAstro Simple Student Result Management System 5.6. This affects an unknown part of the file /add_classes.php of the component Add Class Page. The manipulation of the argument Class Name 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-252291.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2024
This vulnerability resides within the CodeAstro Simple Student Result Management System version 5.6, specifically in the /add_classes.php file's Add Class page functionality. The issue manifests as a cross-site scripting vulnerability that occurs when the Class Name parameter is manipulated during the addition of new classes to the system. This represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially compromising the integrity of the application and its user data. The vulnerability's classification as remotely exploitable means that malicious actors can initiate attacks without requiring physical access to the system or direct network proximity to the target environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the add_classes.php script. When users submit class names through the web interface, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input data before processing it for display within the web page. This creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious javascript code through the Class Name field, which then executes in the browsers of other users who view the affected pages. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, which is categorized as a critical weakness in web application security. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates through the standard web interface, making it accessible to anyone with basic knowledge of web application exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface the application interface, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The public disclosure of this exploit through VDB-252291 increases the risk level significantly, as threat actors can readily leverage existing attack code rather than developing custom exploits. This vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions using the Simple Student Result Management System, where the compromise of class data could lead to unauthorized access to student records and academic information. The attack can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise while maintaining persistence in the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding measures within the application code. The primary defense involves implementing proper sanitization of user inputs, particularly for the Class Name parameter, by employing whitelist validation techniques and HTML entity encoding before any data is rendered in web pages. Additionally, developers should implement Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. The system should also be updated to the latest version of the Simple Student Result Management System where this vulnerability has been addressed. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in class addition requests, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses. Organizations using this system should also consider implementing web application firewalls and establishing secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.