CVE-2024-1970 in Online Learning System V2
Summary
by MITRE • 02/29/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in SourceCodester Online Learning System V2 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file /index.php. The manipulation of the argument page leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-255126 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
This vulnerability resides within the SourceCodester Online Learning System V2 1.0 platform where an insecure input handling flaw has been identified in the /index.php file. The specific weakness occurs when processing the page argument parameter, creating a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability is classified as remotely exploitable, meaning attackers can initiate the attack without requiring physical access to the target system or direct network interaction with the vulnerable application. This particular flaw represents a classic instance of CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation which is a fundamental web application security weakness that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the affected user's browser.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how user-supplied input flows directly into the application's output without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. When the page parameter is manipulated, the application fails to validate or escape the input before rendering it within the web page context, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be executed. The attack vector operates through the standard web browser interface where an attacker can craft a malicious URL containing the XSS payload and deliver it to victims through phishing emails, social engineering campaigns, or by compromising legitimate website content. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables the execution of JavaScript code in user browsers. The disclosed exploit status indicates that threat actors have already developed and shared working payloads, significantly increasing the risk to systems running this vulnerable software version.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and browser-based malware delivery. An attacker could potentially steal user session cookies, gain access to personal learning data, or manipulate the learning system's functionality to redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of the online learning platform, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise multiple users simultaneously. Organizations deploying this system face significant risk of data breaches, user privacy violations, and potential regulatory compliance issues under data protection frameworks such as GDPR or CCPA. The remote exploitability means that defenders must consider network-level protections, including web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms, rather than relying solely on perimeter security measures.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the vulnerable application to address the input validation flaw in the /index.php file, implementing proper output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and establish robust input validation routines that sanitize all parameters before processing. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the learning management system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, aligning with OWASP Top Ten security controls that emphasize proper input handling and output encoding to prevent injection attacks. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious links and email content can provide an additional layer of defense against social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability.