CVE-2024-41236 in Responsive School Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/28/2024
A SQL injection vulnerability in /smsa/admin_login.php in Kashipara Responsive School Management System v3.2.0 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the "username" parameter of the Admin Login Page
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41236 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Kashipara Responsive School Management System version 3.2.0, specifically affecting the admin_login.php script. This issue resides in the authentication mechanism where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. The vulnerability is exploitable through the username parameter on the administrative login page, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass authentication controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and parameter handling within the PHP application code. When administrators attempt to log in through the admin_login.php interface, the system accepts the username parameter directly without adequate sanitization or preparation. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious SQL syntax into the authentication query, potentially manipulating the database behavior to either bypass authentication entirely or extract confidential information from the underlying database structure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a widespread weakness in web applications where user-supplied data is improperly incorporated into SQL commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database backend. This capability opens doors for data exfiltration, modification of administrative credentials, and potential privilege escalation within the system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access student records, financial data, staff information, and other sensitive educational data that the school management system typically protects. The implications are particularly severe in educational environments where data privacy regulations such as FERPA and GDPR apply, potentially resulting in compliance violations and significant reputational damage to institutions.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected system to the latest available version from the vendor. Organizations must implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization measures can provide additional defense layers while awaiting official patches. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability represents a common attack vector that adversaries exploit to establish persistent access to target systems, making prompt remediation essential for maintaining organizational security posture. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar injection vulnerabilities across all web applications within the organization's infrastructure.