CVE-2025-50488 in Online Library Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2025
Improper session invalidation in the component /library/change-password.php of PHPGurukul Online Library Management System v3.0 allows attackers to execute a session hijacking attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-50488 represents a critical session management flaw within the PHPGurukul Online Library Management System version 3.0, specifically affecting the /library/change-password.php component. This issue stems from inadequate session invalidation mechanisms that fail to properly terminate user sessions upon password changes, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability directly impacts the system's authentication and authorization controls, potentially allowing unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive library management functionalities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of session state management during the password change process. When users modify their passwords through the designated interface, the application fails to invalidate the existing session tokens or properly terminate the current user session before establishing a new one. This flaw creates a window of opportunity where attackers who have gained access to a victim's session cookie can continue to operate within the system even after the legitimate user has changed their password. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to implement proper session invalidation protocols that should occur during authentication state transitions, particularly password modification events.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for the library management system and creates multiple exploitation vectors for session hijacking attacks. An attacker who successfully intercepts or steals a valid session token can maintain persistent access to the system even after legitimate users change their passwords, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data breaches, privilege escalation opportunities, and unauthorized modifications to library records, user accounts, and system configurations. This weakness particularly affects the system's integrity and confidentiality controls as defined in the CIA triad model.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session expiration and improper session invalidation, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1563.002 for credential access through session hijacking. Organizations using this system face heightened risk of unauthorized administrative access, especially if attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges or access sensitive library data. The attack vector typically involves session cookie interception through man-in-the-middle attacks, cross-site scripting exploitation, or network sniffing techniques that allow attackers to capture valid session identifiers.
Recommended mitigations include implementing robust session invalidation procedures that automatically terminate existing sessions upon password changes, incorporating proper session regeneration mechanisms, and ensuring that session tokens are securely handled throughout the authentication lifecycle. Security measures should encompass mandatory session expiration policies, secure cookie attributes such as HttpOnly and Secure flags, and comprehensive session monitoring capabilities. The system should also implement additional authentication controls including multi-factor authentication and account lockout mechanisms to reduce the window of opportunity for exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on session management practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases and maintain compliance with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.