CVE-2024-28740 in ILS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2024
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in Koha ILS 23.05 and before allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the additonal-contents.pl component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2025
The Cross Site Scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28740 affects Koha Integrated Library System version 23.05 and earlier releases, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through the additonal-contents.pl component. This vulnerability resides within the web application layer of the library management system, specifically targeting the additional contents functionality that allows administrators to manage supplementary content within the system interface. The flaw manifests when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered in the web application's output, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the additonal-contents.pl script, which processes user-provided data for inclusion in web pages. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing script tags or other malicious payloads and submits it through the vulnerable component, the system fails to properly escape or sanitize the data before displaying it to end users. This creates a persistent cross site scripting condition that can be exploited to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that mandate proper input validation and output encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise the entire library management system by leveraging the privileges of authenticated users. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially escalate their privileges, access sensitive library data, manipulate catalog records, or even gain access to administrative functions within the Koha system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the library's network infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on web-based access to their library management systems. This flaw can be exploited to create a persistent backdoor or to perform man-in-the-middle attacks against other users within the system.
Organizations utilizing Koha ILS version 23.05 or earlier should immediately implement mitigation strategies to protect their systems from exploitation. The primary recommended action involves upgrading to the latest stable version of Koha that contains patches addressing this vulnerability, as provided by the vendor. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding measures at the application level can serve as a temporary mitigation while waiting for the official patch. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious traffic patterns associated with XSS exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement proper monitoring of user sessions and system logs for signs of unauthorized access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security controls as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's application layer exploitation techniques, particularly those related to web application attacks and privilege escalation through code injection vulnerabilities.