CVE-2024-54818 in Computer Laboratory Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2025
SourceCodester Computer Laboratory Management System 1.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. via /php-lms/admin/?page=user/list.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The CVE-2024-54818 vulnerability affects the SourceCodester Computer Laboratory Management System version 1.0, specifically targeting the administrative user management functionality accessible through the /php-lms/admin/?page=user/list endpoint. This represents a critical access control flaw that allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain administrative privileges within the system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate authorization checks that fail to properly validate user roles and permissions before granting access to administrative functions. The affected system employs a web-based interface with PHP backend components, making it susceptible to improper session management and privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic insufficient access control issue that aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software applications. The flaw manifests when an attacker accesses the user list management page without proper authentication, suggesting that the application fails to enforce mandatory access controls at the application level. This weakness creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks where unauthenticated or low-privilege users can potentially access sensitive administrative functions, view user data, modify user accounts, or perform other administrative operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through direct manipulation of URL parameters or by leveraging session hijacking techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating potential for data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized modifications to the laboratory management system. Attackers could exploit this flaw to manipulate user accounts, gain access to confidential information about laboratory users, or disrupt system operations through unauthorized administrative actions. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system, as it allows unauthorized parties to assume administrative roles without proper credentials. This presents significant risk to organizations relying on the system for managing laboratory resources, user access, and sensitive academic data, potentially leading to compliance violations and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-54818 should focus on implementing robust access control mechanisms and proper authentication checks throughout the application. Organizations should immediately patch the system to the latest version, implement multi-factor authentication for administrative access, and conduct comprehensive security audits of all administrative endpoints. The fix should include mandatory session validation, role-based access controls, and proper input sanitization to prevent parameter manipulation attacks. Security measures should also encompass regular penetration testing, network segmentation, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) tactics, emphasizing the importance of proper access control implementation and user authentication mechanisms. The system should also implement proper logging and alerting for administrative access attempts to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis.