Cross-Site Scripting in Project Management System

Executive Summary

CVE-2026-13504 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the code-projects Project Management System 1.0, specifically affecting the mail.php and related files. The vulnerability occurs because user input, such as messages or feedback submitted through mail or feedback forms, is stored in the database without proper sanitization and later displayed in HTML pages without correct output encoding.

This allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts (for example, a payload like <img src=x onerror=alert(1)>) that execute in the browser of any user who views the stored message or feedback. The exploit can be performed remotely and has been publicly disclosed.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can lead to several security risks including UI redressing, phishing attacks, and session abuse. When a user views the maliciously crafted stored message or feedback, the injected script executes in their browser, potentially allowing attackers to steal session tokens, manipulate the user interface, or trick users into revealing sensitive information.

Because the malicious payload is stored in the database and executes every time the content is viewed, the impact can persist over time and affect multiple users.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability can be detected by testing the mail and feedback submission forms for stored cross-site scripting (XSS) issues. Specifically, you can submit crafted payloads such as <img src=x onerror=alert(1)> through the mail.php or feedback forms and then view the stored messages or feedback to see if the payload executes.

To detect this on your system, you can use web application testing tools or manual testing by submitting XSS payloads and observing if they trigger JavaScript execution when viewing stored content.

There are no specific network commands provided, but you can use web vulnerability scanners like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite to automate detection of stored XSS in the affected endpoints.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include sanitizing and properly encoding all user inputs before storing them in the database and before rendering them in HTML pages.

Specifically, ensure that the mail.php and view.php files properly escape or encode output to prevent execution of malicious scripts.

Additionally, review and restrict user input in mail and feedback forms to disallow potentially dangerous HTML or JavaScript content.

If possible, apply patches or updates from the vendor addressing this vulnerability.

As a temporary measure, consider disabling the affected mail and feedback modules until a fix is applied.

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Compliance Impact

The vulnerability described is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw that allows malicious scripts to execute in users' browsers when viewing stored messages or feedback. Such vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized actions like phishing, session abuse, and UI redressing.

While the provided information does not explicitly mention compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA, stored XSS vulnerabilities can impact compliance by exposing personal or sensitive data to attackers, potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized access.

Therefore, this vulnerability could negatively affect compliance with regulations that require protection of user data and secure handling of personal information, as it may facilitate attacks that compromise confidentiality and integrity.

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