CVE-2024-3427 in Online Courseware
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in SourceCodester Online Courseware 1.0. This affects an unknown part of the file addq.php. The manipulation of the argument id leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-259599.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2025
This vulnerability resides within the SourceCodester Online Courseware version 1.0 application where a cross site scripting flaw has been identified in the addq.php file. The specific weakness occurs when processing the id parameter, which creates an avenue for malicious code injection. The vulnerability is classified as remotely exploitable, meaning attackers can initiate attacks without requiring physical access to the target system. This represents a significant security risk as it allows threat actors to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of affected users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system compromise. The disclosure of this exploit to the public community increases the likelihood of real-world attacks against vulnerable installations. The vulnerability's classification as a cross site scripting issue aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation in web applications, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of vulnerability in web security contexts.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the insecure handling of user-supplied input through the id parameter within the addq.php component. When the application processes this parameter without adequate sanitization or output encoding, it creates an environment where malicious JavaScript code can be injected and subsequently executed by other users who access the affected page. This particular vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks. The remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this weakness through web browsers without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, defacement of web content, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations using the SourceCodester Online Courseware application. Any user who interacts with the addq.php functionality could potentially be affected by malicious scripts injected through the vulnerable id parameter. This creates a persistent threat vector that could compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or allow attackers to perform actions on behalf of legitimate users. The vulnerability's public disclosure status means that threat actors have readily available information to exploit installations, reducing the time window for organizations to implement protective measures. Organizations may face reputational damage, regulatory compliance issues, and potential legal consequences if user data is compromised through this vulnerability. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a core application component that likely handles user interactions and content management within the online courseware system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations should immediately implement proper parameter sanitization techniques to prevent malicious code from being executed when processing the id parameter in addq.php. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution sources. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including client-side and server-side to ensure comprehensive protection. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious traffic patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines to prevent such issues from occurring in web applications. Regular patching and updates should be prioritized to address known vulnerabilities promptly and maintain overall application security posture.