Default Credentials in Ningzichun Student-Management-System

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves a student management system that uses default administrator credentials in its sample database. The system includes an example_lite.sql file that inserts an admin account with a known password hash ('21232f297a57a5a743894a0e4a801fc3'), which corresponds to the password 'admin'. Attackers can exploit this by importing the sample database and using these default credentials to gain full administrative access remotely.

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Detection Guidance

Check if the example_lite.sql file exists in your deployment directory. Inspect the file for an administrator account with a known password hash '21232f297a57a5a743894a0e4a801fc3' corresponding to password 'admin'.

Verify if the application's database contains an admin account with the default credentials by querying user_admin.pwd or checking login.php for hardcoded hash comparisons.

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Impact Analysis

If you deploy this system using the provided example_lite.sql without changing the default credentials, attackers can remotely access your system as an administrator. This allows them to perform unauthorized actions, such as modifying student records, managing departments, handling course selections, and accessing sensitive data. The impact includes data breaches, unauthorized modifications, and potential loss of control over the system.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability likely violates compliance requirements under GDPR and HIPAA due to unauthorized access to sensitive student data. GDPR mandates strict protection of personal data, while HIPAA requires safeguards for protected health information. A breach via default credentials could result in unauthorized exposure or modification of data, leading to legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of trust.

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Mitigation Strategies

Change the default administrator password immediately. Update the example_lite.sql file to remove or modify the default admin account credentials.

Ensure all deployments use unique, strong passwords for administrator accounts. Review and update database configurations to prevent unauthorized access.

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