CVE-2026-14698 in Syllabus-Aligned Learning Management and Examination System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/05/2026
A security flaw has been discovered in SourceCodester Syllabus-Aligned Learning Management and Examination System 1.0. Impacted is an unknown function of the file upload_files.php. Performing a manipulation results in unrestricted upload. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been released to the public and may be used for attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical file upload restriction bypass in the SourceCodester Syllabus-Aligned Learning Management and Examination System version 1.0 which exposes the application to remote code execution risks. The flaw exists within the upload_files.php component where improper input validation allows attackers to upload malicious files without proper authorization or sanitization. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-434 which specifically addresses unrestricted file upload scenarios where applications fail to properly validate file types, content, or permissions before processing user-supplied files. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that threat actors can initiate attacks from external networks without requiring physical access or prior authentication within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads as it creates a persistent attack surface that can be leveraged for multiple malicious activities. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could upload web shells, malware, or other malicious payloads that would execute within the context of the web server. This represents a significant compromise of the system's integrity and confidentiality as it allows for arbitrary code execution, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of unauthorized file uploads to establish persistent access points within target environments.
The technical implementation of this flaw likely involves insufficient validation of file extensions, MIME types, or content signatures within the upload_files.php script. Attackers can manipulate the upload process through various means including modifying HTTP headers, crafting malicious file names, or exploiting parameter injection vulnerabilities in the file handling logic. The absence of proper file type verification and content inspection creates an environment where attackers can bypass security controls designed to prevent execution of potentially harmful files such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other script files. This vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental security principles including input validation, privilege separation, and defense in depth.
Organizations utilizing this system should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this exposure. The primary remediation involves implementing strict file type validation mechanisms that reject any uploads outside of explicitly allowed extensions and content types. Web server configuration changes should include restricting execution permissions on upload directories and implementing proper file name sanitization to prevent path traversal attacks. Additionally, the system should enforce proper access controls and authentication requirements for all file upload operations while logging and monitoring all upload activities for suspicious patterns. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular vulnerability scanning to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability represents a common attack vector that has been widely documented and weaponized in the cybersecurity landscape.