Improper Access Control in SourceCodester Bulk Import Allows Remote Exploitation

Executive Summary

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'CVE-2026-2983 is a critical improper access control vulnerability in SourceCodester Student Result Management System version 1.0, specifically in the Bulk Import component within the file /admin/core/import_users.php.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "The vulnerability arises because the application does not perform any authentication or session validation before processing file uploads, allowing an attacker to manipulate the 'file' argument."}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'An unauthenticated remote attacker can upload a specially crafted Excel (.xlsx) file, which the server parses and uses to insert arbitrary user records into the staff database table.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "This enables the attacker to create unauthorized accounts with elevated privileges, such as 'Teacher', leading to unauthorized access and persistent compromise of the system."}] [1, 2]

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Impact Analysis

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability can have significant impacts including unauthorized remote access to the system without any authentication.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Attackers can create unauthorized user accounts with elevated privileges, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "The system's database can be persistently polluted with malicious or unauthorized data, potentially disrupting normal operations and trustworthiness of the system."}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Because exploitation requires no user interaction and can be performed remotely, the risk of compromise is high.'}] [1, 2]

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Compliance Impact

I don't know

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Detection Guidance

[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability can be detected by checking for the presence of the vulnerable endpoint `/admin/core/import_users.php` in the SourceCodester Student Result Management System version 1.0.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'One method to locate vulnerable targets is by using Google dorking with the query: `inurl:admin/core/import_users.php`.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'On your network or system, you can use tools like curl or wget to test if the endpoint is accessible without authentication.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'curl -I http://targetsite.com/admin/core/import_users.php'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'wget --spider http://targetsite.com/admin/core/import_users.php'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': "Additionally, monitoring for unusual file upload activity to this endpoint or unexpected creation of user accounts with 'Teacher' privileges in the `tbl_staff` database table can indicate exploitation attempts."}] [1]

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Mitigation Strategies

No known mitigations or countermeasures have been published for this vulnerability.

It is suggested to replace the affected product with an alternative solution that does not contain this vulnerability.

As an immediate step, restrict access to the `/admin/core/import_users.php` endpoint by implementing authentication and access controls, or by blocking access via firewall rules.

Monitor your system for unauthorized user account creations and unusual file upload activities to detect potential exploitation.

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