CVE-2024-6956 in University Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2024
A vulnerability was found in itsourcecode University Management System 1.0. It has been rated as critical. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file /view_cgpa.php. The manipulation of the argument VR/VN leads to sql injection. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-272078 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6956 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the itsourcecode University Management System version 1.0. This weakness specifically affects the /view_cgpa.php component of the application, which is likely responsible for displaying cumulative grade point averages for students. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization when processing the VR/VN arguments, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted input parameters. The critical rating reflects the severity of potential impact, as sql injection vulnerabilities can enable attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the affected system. This particular vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used by threat actors, as indicated by the VDB-272078 identifier assigned to this specific flaw.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote attack vectors, meaning that malicious users can leverage this weakness without requiring physical access to the system or network infrastructure. When the VR/VN parameters are manipulated, they can inject malicious sql code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. This allows attackers to execute unauthorized database operations including data retrieval, modification, or deletion. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that university management systems typically contain sensitive personal information, academic records, and institutional data that would be highly valuable to cybercriminals. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain proper network segmentation or access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-6956 extends beyond simple data compromise, potentially enabling full system infiltration and data manipulation capabilities. Attackers could access student records, academic performance data, personal identification information, and other sensitive educational data that would violate privacy regulations and institutional policies. The vulnerability could also serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network, as attackers might use the compromised system to pivot to other connected systems or escalate privileges to gain administrative access. This type of vulnerability directly violates multiple security principles including the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, which are fundamental requirements in secure software development practices. Organizations using this university management system face significant risk of regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences if student or institutional data is compromised due to this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-6956 should focus on immediate remediation through proper input validation, parameterized queries, and application-level security controls. Organizations should implement web application firewalls to detect and block sql injection attempts, apply the latest security patches from the vendor if available, and conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in applications. Additionally, implementing proper database access controls, regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring systems will help prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider conducting penetration testing to verify the effectiveness of their mitigations and ensure that no other components within the university management system contain similar weaknesses that could be exploited.