CVE-2024-34932 in Complete Web-Based School Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2024
A SQL injection vulnerability in /model/update_exam.php in Campcodes Complete Web-Based School Management System 1.0 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-34932 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Campcodes Complete Web-Based School Management System version 1.0. This vulnerability specifically affects the /model/update_exam.php endpoint where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into database queries. The weakness manifests through the name parameter which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious SQL command injection. The affected system processes user-supplied data directly without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate database operations through carefully crafted input sequences. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this vulnerability exists within a school management system that likely handles sensitive educational data including student records, academic performance metrics, and administrative information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the name parameter in the update_exam.php script. When the application processes this input without proper sanitization, the attacker can inject additional SQL commands that execute within the database context. This allows for unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations that can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the entire school management system database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers could potentially escalate privileges, gain persistent access to the system, or even execute arbitrary code on the underlying database server. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate parameterized query implementation, which are fundamental security measures recommended by the OWASP Top Ten Project and the ISO 27001 security framework. The lack of proper access controls and query sanitization creates a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and manipulate the database directly through the web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability presents significant risks to educational institutions utilizing the Campcodes system. Schools and educational organizations could face data breaches exposing sensitive student information, academic records, and personal details of both students and staff members. The potential for unauthorized database modifications could disrupt academic operations, alter grades, or delete critical educational data. Furthermore, the vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors within the system, allowing for ongoing unauthorized access and data exfiltration. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations under data protection laws such as GDPR, FERPA, or local privacy regulations depending on their geographical location and the nature of data processed. The attack could result in service disruption, loss of institutional trust, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability also increases the risk of secondary attacks where compromised systems serve as launching points for broader network infiltration, aligning with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the database access and credential access domains. The exposure of this vulnerability through public disclosure creates an immediate risk for all affected installations, as attackers can readily exploit the known weakness without requiring advanced technical skills.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-34932 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Campcodes system to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application to prevent similar issues in the future. The system should enforce strict access controls and implement proper output escaping mechanisms for all database interactions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious database access patterns and unauthorized data manipulation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire system infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection. The remediation process should follow industry best practices outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards for vulnerability management and security controls implementation. Additionally, staff training on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation should be conducted to prevent recurrence of similar vulnerabilities in custom-developed applications. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security updates and the implementation of secure development lifecycle practices that incorporate security testing at every stage of software development and deployment.