CVE-2026-86280 in Syllabus-Aligned Learning Management & Examination System
Summary
by MITRE • 09/07/2026
A vulnerability was identified in SourceCodester Syllabus-Aligned Learning Management & Examination System 1.0. This affects an unknown function of the file cict_portal.sql. Such manipulation leads to cleartext storage of sensitive information. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit is publicly available and might be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2026
The SourceCodester Syllabus-Aligned Learning Management & Examination System version 1.0 contains a critical security flaw related to data handling within its database schema, specifically affecting the cict_portal.sql file. This vulnerability stems from an improper implementation of sensitive information storage mechanisms, resulting in the cleartext preservation of confidential user credentials or personal identifiable information. In modern software architecture, particularly for educational platforms that manage student records and examination results, the protection of such data is paramount to maintaining institutional integrity and complying with privacy regulations. The presence of this flaw indicates a fundamental oversight in the application's security design phase, where developers failed to implement appropriate cryptographic controls before persisting data into the database backend.
From a technical perspective, the core issue lies in the absence of hashing or encryption algorithms when processing sensitive fields during user registration or profile updates. Instead of utilizing robust one-way hash functions such as bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2 for password storage, or employing strong symmetric encryption standards like AES-256-GCM for other sensitive attributes, the system stores these values in their original readable format. This practice violates fundamental security principles regarding data confidentiality and integrity. When an attacker gains access to the database layer, either through direct injection or by exploiting a separate entry point that allows file inclusion or SQL manipulation involving cict_portal.sql, they can immediately extract all stored sensitive information without any computational barrier. The public availability of exploit code further exacerbates this risk, as it lowers the technical threshold for malicious actors who may lack advanced exploitation skills but possess basic knowledge of database interaction and web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly given the context of a learning management system which often handles highly sensitive data including student identities, academic performance records, and potentially financial information if payment gateways are integrated. Cleartext storage exposes users to identity theft, unauthorized access to educational resources, and potential blackmail or harassment using leaked personal details. For the institution deploying this software, the consequences extend beyond individual user harm to include significant reputational damage, legal liabilities under data protection laws such as GDPR or local equivalents, and loss of trust among stakeholders. Furthermore, because the exploit is publicly available, automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers can easily identify vulnerable instances on the internet, leading to widespread compromise if patches are not applied promptly.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, which categorizes flaws where sensitive data is stored without adequate protection mechanisms. It also relates to ATT&CK technique T1530 Data from Local System Retrieval, as attackers can exfiltrate this cleartext data once they achieve initial access through other means or by directly targeting the database service if it is exposed improperly. To mitigate these risks, immediate remediation steps must be taken by developers and system administrators. The primary action involves refactoring the code responsible for handling sensitive inputs to ensure that all passwords are hashed using a strong, adaptive hashing algorithm with unique salts per user. For other types of sensitive data such as personal identification numbers or contact details, implementing field-level encryption with keys managed securely outside the application server is essential. Additionally, conducting a comprehensive security audit of the cict_portal.sql script and related backend logic will help identify any residual cleartext storage practices. Regular penetration testing and code reviews should be institutionalized to prevent similar oversights in future development cycles, ensuring that data protection remains integral to the system's architecture rather than an afterthought.