CVE-2024-26476 is a vulnerability identified in OpenEMR, an open-source electronic medical record and practice management software widely used in healthcare organizations. The flaw exists in the ereq_form.php component, specifically involving the formid parameter. An attacker with some existing privileges (PR:L) can craft a malicious script that manipulates this parameter to escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability falls under CWE-918, which relates to improper control of dynamically evaluated code, indicating that the crafted input may lead to unintended code execution or logic manipulation. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 3.5, reflecting a low severity due to the requirement of prior privileges and user interaction (UI:R). The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning the attacker can exploit it remotely. The vulnerability impacts the integrity of the system but does not compromise confidentiality or availability. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the issue is addressed in OpenEMR version 7.0.2 and later.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for privilege escalation within OpenEMR systems, which could allow an attacker with limited access to gain higher-level permissions. This could lead to unauthorized modification of medical records or system configurations, undermining data integrity. While confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, the integrity compromise could have serious implications in healthcare settings where accurate patient data is critical. Exploitation requires some level of user privilege and interaction, limiting the scope of immediate risk. However, if exploited, it could facilitate further attacks or unauthorized administrative actions, potentially disrupting healthcare operations and patient care.

Organizations should upgrade OpenEMR installations to version 7.0.2 or later, where this vulnerability is fixed. Until patching is possible, restrict access to the ereq_form.php component and monitor logs for unusual activity involving the formid parameter. Implement strict access controls to minimize the number of users with privileges that could be leveraged for escalation. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns targeting formid or similar parameters. Conduct regular security audits and user activity monitoring to detect early signs of exploitation attempts. Educate users about the risks of executing untrusted scripts or actions that could trigger this vulnerability.