CVE-2024-7200 in Complaints Report Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in SourceCodester Complaints Report Management System 1.0. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /admin/ajax.php?action=save_settings. The manipulation of the argument name leads to cross site scripting. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-272621 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7200 represents a cross site scripting vulnerability within the SourceCodester Complaints Report Management System version 1.0. This system is designed for managing customer complaints and reports, making it a potentially valuable target for attackers seeking to exploit web application flaws. The vulnerability specifically resides in the administrative interface component where the file /admin/ajax.php?action=save_settings processes user input. This particular endpoint serves as a critical communication channel between the administrative interface and the backend database, handling configuration settings that directly impact system functionality and user experience. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters, particularly the name argument that is processed through this ajax endpoint. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates that it presents a significant security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors without requiring privileged access or complex attack vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the name argument within the save_settings action of the ajax.php file. When an attacker crafts malicious input containing script code within the name parameter, the application fails to properly escape or filter this input before processing or storing it within the system. This lack of input validation creates an environment where malicious scripts can be injected and subsequently executed within the context of other users' browsers who access the affected system. The remote exploitability aspect means that attackers can trigger this vulnerability through web-based attacks without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The vulnerability's disclosure and public availability in VDB-272621 indicates that security researchers and malicious actors have already identified and documented the attack vector, increasing the likelihood of active exploitation attempts against vulnerable systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised system. Through cross site scripting attacks, adversaries can potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the application interface, or even escalate privileges within the system if additional vulnerabilities exist. The administrative nature of the affected endpoint means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify system settings, access sensitive administrative functions, or manipulate complaint data. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the complaint management system, potentially exposing sensitive customer information and compromising the trust users place in the platform. The attack vector's remote nature means that any user with access to the web application could be targeted, including both legitimate administrators and regular users who might inadvertently trigger the exploit through malicious links or attachments.
Organizations utilizing this vulnerable system should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by the vendor. The implementation of proper input validation and output encoding measures represents the primary defense mechanism against this type of vulnerability, aligning with established security practices outlined in CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall can provide an additional layer of protection by filtering malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application components. The security community should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for administrative functions, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the affected endpoints. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, as this particular flaw may indicate broader issues with input validation throughout the system. The vulnerability's classification as a remote exploit with public disclosure underscores the urgency of remediation efforts, as it represents a known attack vector that can be leveraged by threat actors without specialized knowledge or access to proprietary exploit development tools.