CVE-2023-7160 : What You Need to Know

This CVE details a cross-site scripting vulnerability found in SourceCodester Engineers Online Portal version 1.0, impacting the functionality of the component Add Engineer Handler. The vulnerability has been rated as problematic due to the potential for remote attacks via the manipulation of input fields.

Understanding CVE-2023-7160

This section provides an overview of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-7160?

The CVE-2023-7160 vulnerability involves a cross-site scripting issue in SourceCodester Engineers Online Portal 1.0. By inserting malicious scripts into specific input fields, an attacker can execute unauthorized scripts on the victim's browser, leading to potential data theft or other malicious activities.

The Impact of CVE-2023-7160

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as low, as per the CVSS score provided. However, it still poses a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-7160

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, outlining its description, affected systems, and exploitation methods.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in the Add Engineer Handler component of SourceCodester Engineers Online Portal 1.0, enabling the injection of malicious scripts such as

<script>alert(0)</script>

into input fields for first name/last name.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the SourceCodester Engineers Online Portal version 1.0, specifically the module Add Engineer Handler. Only this particular version is confirmed to be impacted by the identified vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the vulnerability through the manipulation of input fields with malicious scripts, attackers can conduct cross-site scripting attacks remotely over the network, potentially compromising the security of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on strategies to address and prevent the CVE-2023-7160 vulnerability, emphasizing immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-7160, users are advised to implement input validation mechanisms, sanitize user inputs, and apply security patches or updates provided by SourceCodester promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, conduct security training for developers on secure coding practices, and maintain up-to-date security measures to prevent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-7160.

Patching and Updates

SourceCodester users are recommended to stay informed about security advisories and updates released by the vendor. Applying patches and updates in a timely manner can help mitigate the risk of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the affected systems.