CVE-2024-2573 in Employee Task Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in SourceCodester Employee Task Management System 1.0. Affected is an unknown function of the file /task-info.php. The manipulation leads to execution after redirect. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-257076.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2573 represents a critical security flaw within the SourceCodester Employee Task Management System version 1.0, specifically affecting the /task-info.php component. This issue falls under the category of execution after redirect vulnerabilities, which are particularly dangerous as they allow attackers to manipulate application flow and potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates a high potential for exploitation and significant impact on system security. The flaw exists within an unknown function of the target file, suggesting that the underlying code structure may have inadequate input validation or improper handling of user-supplied data. This type of vulnerability typically arises when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize data that flows through redirect mechanisms, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject harmful payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote attack vectors, meaning that malicious actors can initiate the exploit without requiring physical access to the target system. The execution after redirect mechanism implies that the application redirects users to specific pages while simultaneously allowing code execution, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate application behavior. This pattern is commonly associated with improper handling of HTTP redirects where user input is not adequately sanitized before being processed. The vulnerability's disclosure to the public and availability of exploit code significantly increases the risk level, as it removes the need for advanced technical knowledge to launch attacks against affected systems. Security researchers have categorized this issue as part of the broader category of web application vulnerabilities, with potential implications for data integrity, confidentiality, and system availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-2573 extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain persistent access to the affected system. Remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers can target vulnerable installations from anywhere on the internet, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that expose their task management systems to external networks. The attack surface is broadened by the public availability of exploit code, which could lead to widespread compromise of affected installations. Organizations using the SourceCodester Employee Task Management System version 1.0 may face risks including unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's nature suggests that attackers could manipulate task information, potentially leading to unauthorized task assignments, data modification, or complete system control. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where task management systems often contain sensitive business information and may integrate with other critical systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-2573 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected SourceCodester Employee Task Management System to version 1.0 or later releases that address the identified redirect execution flaw. Network administrators should implement firewall rules and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious activity related to the /task-info.php endpoint. Input validation should be strengthened throughout the application to prevent malicious data from being processed through redirect mechanisms, with particular attention to sanitizing all user-supplied parameters. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify potential similar vulnerabilities in other components. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, and establish incident response procedures that specifically address remote code execution vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 and CWE-79 attack patterns, and corresponds to ATT&CK techniques involving command and control communications and execution through web shells, making comprehensive defensive measures essential for protecting against potential exploitation attempts.