CVE-2024-10353 in Online Exam System
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in SourceCodester Online Exam System 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file /admin-dashboard. The manipulation leads to improper access controls. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. This affects a different product and is a different issue than CVE-2024-40480.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2024
This critical vulnerability in SourceCodester Online Exam System version 1.0 represents a significant security flaw within the administrative dashboard component. The issue manifests in an improper access control mechanism that allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication requirements and gain administrative privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects an unknown function within the /admin-dashboard file, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the application's authorization framework that permits privilege escalation without proper verification. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers can leverage this weakness from external networks without requiring physical access to the system infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this access control flaw likely involves insufficient validation of user permissions or session management issues within the administrative interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute unauthorized administrative functions, potentially gaining access to sensitive examination data, user information, and system configuration settings. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization within software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing to gain initial access. The disclosure of the exploit to the public community significantly increases the risk profile, as it provides threat actors with readily available tools to target vulnerable systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches within educational institutions using this exam platform. Administrative privileges typically grant access to critical system functions including user management, exam configuration, grade manipulation, and data export capabilities. This vulnerability could enable attackers to modify exam results, impersonate legitimate users, or exfiltrate sensitive student information, potentially affecting academic integrity and institutional security. The affected system represents a high-value target for threat actors seeking to exploit educational institutions' digital infrastructure, particularly given the sensitive nature of examination data and personal information stored within such platforms.
Organizations utilizing this software must implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to administrative interfaces, deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block exploit attempts, and implementation of multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar access control vulnerabilities throughout the application stack. System administrators should also monitor for exploitation attempts and consider disabling unnecessary administrative functions when not actively required. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the potential consequences of inadequate authorization mechanisms in web applications. Security patches should be applied immediately upon availability, and organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their entire software ecosystem to identify similar weaknesses that could be exploited by threat actors.