In this post, we’ll take a close look at CVE-2022-3992, a security vulnerability found in the SourceCodester Sanitization Management System, specifically affecting the Banner Image Handler. If you’re running this open-source project, this is critical information. We’ll explain what the flaw is, how it works, how attackers can exploit it, and what you can do to protect your application. We’ll use plain, accessible language so everyone can follow along.

Product: SourceCodester Sanitization Management System

- Affected File: admin/?page=system_info (Banner Image Handler)
- CVE Identifier: CVE-2022-3992
- Vulnerability DB: VDB-213571

Where’s the Problem?

The vulnerable feature is related to handling the “Banner” image in the system info page, which is accessible at:

/admin/?page=system_info


When administrators (or sometimes other users with certain permissions) upload or update the Banner image, the input is not properly sanitized. This allows attackers to inject JavaScript code, which will run when other users visit the infected page—a classic stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack.

3. How the Exploit Works (With Example)

Suppose you have access to upload or update the Banner in the admin panel. Instead of a real image, you upload a file or provide an input that looks like this:

<img src="x" onerror="alert('XSS by CVE-2022-3992')">

Or, sometimes an attacker can include code in the filename, or in other fields if they are reflected back on the page:

<script>alert('XSS exploiting CVE-2022-3992')</script>

If the application does not check and sanitize this input, anyone visiting the system info page will have this code executed by their browser.

Let’s say the form accepts the “Banner Image URL” or similar input. An attacker could submit

"><script>alert('CVE-2022-3992 XSS');</script>

If displayed without encoding, this pops up an alert box for every user visiting the page—a clear symptom of XSS.

Let’s walk through a simple attack

1. Gaining Access: An attacker logs in with a low-privilege account, or gains access to an admin panel.
2. Injecting Payload: The attacker adds malicious JavaScript code to the Banner image handler input (or manipulates the uploaded file in some way).
3. Triggering the Attack: Any admin or user who visits the system info page at /admin/?page=system_info will run the attacker’s code.
4. Impact: The attacker might steal cookies, perform actions on behalf of admins, or escalate privileges—all silently in the background if the payload is more sophisticated.

Vulnerable Code (Simplified Example)

// PHP: Accepting banner image input without sanitizing
$banner = $_POST['banner_image'];
// Saving $banner directly in the database or file

// Later, displaying it on the system info page
echo "<img src='$banner'>";

Missing: No validation or sanitization of $banner. This allows attackers to inject scripts.

Safer Version

// Use htmlspecialchars to prevent XSS
echo "<img src='" . htmlspecialchars($banner, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8') . "'>";

Or use a library to fully strip out dangerous HTML from user uploads and inputs.

6. Official References

- MITRE CVE page for CVE-2022-3992
- Vuldb page (VDB-213571)
- SourceCodester Project on SourceForge

Patch: Check if a fix or new version is available and upgrade immediately.

- Input Validation: Always sanitize and validate any user-supplied data, especially in admin panels or public forms.

Restrict User Permissions: Limit who can upload or change banner images.

- Security Testing: Regularly scan for XSS with automated tools and consider manual code review for high-risk areas.

8. Conclusion

CVE-2022-3992 is a classic but serious vulnerability that shows why trusting user input—anywhere in your app—is dangerous. If left unpatched, it can allow attackers to take control of sessions or compromise your system and users. Always sanitize, escape, and validate all input.

If you use SourceCodester Sanitization Management System, check your implementation right now!

Want to read more cross-site scripting attacks and learn how to fix them?

Check these resources

- OWASP XSS Cheat Sheet
- How to Prevent XSS in PHP

Timeline

Published on: 11/14/2022 17:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 11/17/2022 23:09:00 UTC