CVE-2024-2483 in Hostel Management Service
Summary
by MITRE • 03/15/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in Surya2Developer Hostel Management Service 1.0. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /change-password.php of the component Password Change Handler. The manipulation of the argument oldpassword leads to cross-site request forgery. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-256889 was assigned to this vulnerability.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2483 represents a critical cross-site request forgery weakness within the Surya2Developer Hostel Management Service version 1.0. This security flaw specifically targets the password change functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it directly impacts user authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability exists within the /change-password.php file, which serves as the password change handler component. The issue manifests when the oldpassword argument is manipulated, creating a scenario where unauthorized parties can potentially exploit the system's trust mechanisms to perform password changes without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of input parameters within the password change handler. When users attempt to modify their passwords through the affected interface, the system fails to properly verify the authenticity of the request origin or validate the user's legitimate intent to make changes. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious requests that appear to originate from legitimate users, exploiting the trust relationship between the web application and its users. The vulnerability's classification as remotely exploitable means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to initiate attacks, significantly expanding the potential attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password manipulation, as it can lead to complete account takeovers and unauthorized access to sensitive hostel management data. Attackers who successfully exploit this CSRF vulnerability can change user passwords, potentially gaining persistent access to administrative accounts or user profiles containing personal information, booking details, and financial records. The disclosure of this exploit through VDB-256889 indicates that security researchers have already identified and shared the attack methods, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations managing student housing or accommodation services where user credentials and personal data are highly sensitive.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust anti-CSRF token mechanisms throughout the application's authentication flows. The system must generate unique, unpredictable tokens for each user session and validate these tokens on every password change request to ensure that requests originate from legitimate user interactions. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, session management, and origin verification mechanisms can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing rate limiting on password change attempts and monitoring for suspicious activities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other components of the hostel management system.