CVE-2021-46824 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in sourcecodester School File Management System 1.0 via the Lastname parameter.

Understanding CVE-2021-46824

What is CVE-2021-46824?

CVE-2021-46824 is a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in sourcecodester School File Management System 1.0 affecting the Lastname parameter in the Update Account form.

The Impact of CVE-2021-46824

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, leading to account takeover, data theft, and potentially further compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-46824

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the Lastname parameter of the Update Account form in student_profile.php in sourcecodester School File Management System 1.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected version: School File Management System 1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the Lastname parameter, which are then executed in the context of the user's session.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable any unnecessary features in the application to reduce the attack surface.
Input validation should be implemented to sanitize user inputs and prevent the execution of malicious scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the application to patch known vulnerabilities and improve security measures.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address any potential security flaws.
Educate users about safe browsing habits and the risks associated with XSS attacks.
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter and block malicious traffic.
Consider implementing a Content Security Policy (CSP) to mitigate the impact of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by the vendor promptly to address the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of the application.