On March 1, 2024, a new vulnerability, CVE-2024-11321, was disclosed, targeting the Hi e-learning Learning Management System (LMS). This flaw is an “Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation” — better known in the security world as a Reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attack. The vulnerability affects Hi e-learning LMS versions prior to 06.12.2024.
This long read breaks down what CVE-2024-11321 is, shows how attackers might exploit it, provides code samples, and offers steps you should take now to protect your learning platforms.
What is Reflected XSS?
Reflected XSS occurs when an attacker sends a user a specially crafted link containing malicious JavaScript. If the affected website "reflects" the input directly back to the browser without proper sanitization, the script executes in the victim's browser. In simple terms: the attacker tricks the server into feeding bad code to your browser, where it runs as if you yourself had requested it.
Who’s Affected?
* All installations of Hi e-learning LMS up to, but not including, version 06.12.2024.
* This includes both public-facing demo sites and privately hosted institutional versions.
Where’s the Source?
* National Vulnerability Database: CVE-2024-11321
* VulDB Details and Exploits (original disclosure)
How Does the Vulnerability Work?
This XSS occurs because the LMS fails to properly “escape” or filter user-supplied input when generating certain web pages. An attacker can craft a URL that injects JavaScript into the page, causing it to execute whenever the link is visited.
Suppose the LMS has a search function like
https://yourlms.com/search.php?q=biology
If the q parameter is not properly sanitized, an attacker could send a link like
https://yourlms.com/search.php?q=<script>alert('pwned')</script>;
If someone clicks that link, and the browser executes the script — it pops up an alert. But it could also steal cookies, hijack sessions, or deface content.
Malicious URL
https://yourlms.com/search.php?q=%3Cscript%3Ealert('XSS!')%3C/script%3E
*(%3C and %3E are the URL-encoded versions of the primary HTML brackets < and >. This often bypasses detection.)*
Suppose this is inside search.php
<?php
// search.php
$q = $_GET['q'];
echo "Results for: $q";
// ...rest of code
?>
If a user enters a search term, it appears unfiltered. If they enter a script, it executes.
`
https://yourlms.com/search.php?q=
With Reflected XSS, attackers can
- Steal user cookies/sessions (take over accounts)
Always escape output. Use the following to sanitize user input before echoing it back
echo "Results for: " . htmlspecialchars($q, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8');
Or, use the latest version (> 06.12.2024), which patches this flaw.
Apply latest patches: Download the fixed Hi e-learning LMS (>= 06.12.2024).
2. Sanitize all user input: Never echo input from GET/POST directly onto web pages.
References
- NVD CVE-2024-11321
- VulDB Entry
- OWASP XSS Guide
Final Thoughts
Reflected XSS, as seen in CVE-2024-11321, is a classic web security mistake — and it’s still dangerous. With more schools and universities relying on LMS solutions, attackers are eager to exploit simple flaws. If you run or support Hi e-learning LMS, review your version and update now. Never trust user input — always sanitize before display.
Timeline
Published on: 12/06/2024 14:15:19 UTC