CVE-2023-6473 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in SourceCodester's Online Quiz System version 1.0.

Understanding CVE-2023-6473

This section provides insights into the nature of CVE-2023-6473, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-6473?

The vulnerability, classified as problematic, exists in the take-quiz.php file of SourceCodester Online Quiz System 1.0. It stems from the manipulation of the 'quiz_taker/year_section' argument, enabling cross-site scripting. The exploitation can be initiated remotely, making it a significant security concern.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6473

With a CVSS base score of 3.5 out of 10 (low severity), this vulnerability can potentially be exploited to execute malicious scripts on the affected system. Such attacks could compromise user data, session cookies, and lead to other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6473

In this section, we delve deeper into the vulnerability's description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an unidentified part of the 'take-quiz.php' file in SourceCodester Online Quiz System 1.0. By tampering with the 'quiz_taker/year_section' argument, an attacker can inject and execute malicious scripts, posing a risk to system integrity.

Affected Systems and Versions

SourceCodester's Online Quiz System version 1.0 is confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, with the '1.0' version being marked as 'affected.'

Exploitation Mechanism

The cross-site scripting vulnerability in SourceCodester Online Quiz System 1.0 can be exploited remotely by manipulating the 'quiz_taker/year_section' argument with malicious data. This can lead to unauthorized script execution and potential system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-6473 effectively, it is essential to take immediate steps, implement long-term security practices, and apply necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Restrict access to the affected system or service.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent script injection.
Educate users and administrators about the risks associated with cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Stay informed about security best practices and emerging threats in the web application landscape.
Consider implementing a web application firewall (WAF) to detect and block potential cross-site scripting attacks.

Patching and Updates

SourceCodester users are advised to apply patches released by the vendor to address the CVE-2023-6473 vulnerability. Updating to a secure version of the Online Quiz System can help mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance system security.