CVE-2025-1589 in E-Learning System
Summary
by MITRE • 02/23/2025
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester E-Learning System 1.0 and classified as problematic. This issue affects some unknown processing of the file /register.php of the component User Registration Handler. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. The attack may be initiated remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-1589 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the SourceCodester E-Learning System version 1.0, specifically within the user registration handler component. This weakness resides in the /register.php file processing logic, where inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before it is rendered back to the browser. The vulnerability classification as problematic indicates that it poses significant security risks to the affected system and its users, particularly given the nature of the attack vector and the potential for widespread exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker crafts malicious input through the user registration form, which is then processed by the vulnerable /register.php script without proper sanitization. This allows malicious scripts to be injected into the registration flow and subsequently executed within the context of other users' browsers who view the affected pages. The cross site scripting vulnerability enables attackers to potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, inject malware, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The remote exploitability aspect means that no local access or privileged account is required to initiate the attack, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle user registration and authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the user registration process and the overall security posture of the e-learning platform. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent footholds within the system, potentially leading to complete compromise of user accounts, unauthorized access to course materials, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects the core user registration functionality, which serves as a critical entry point for the system, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to gain unauthorized access or disrupt service availability. This flaw directly violates security principles related to input validation and output encoding, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited across multiple user sessions.
Organizations utilizing the SourceCodester E-Learning System should immediately implement comprehensive mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly within registration and authentication components. The recommended approach involves implementing strict sanitization of all input parameters, applying proper HTML escaping techniques for dynamic content rendering, and establishing Content Security Policy headers to prevent script execution. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws, and represents a direct violation of ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute malicious scripts within user browsers. The remediation process should include updating to the latest version of the software if available, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough code reviews to address similar issues throughout the application's codebase.