CVE-2024-40511 identifies a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the openPetra software, specifically in the serverMServerAdmin.asmx function. openPetra is an open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) system often used by NGOs and small to medium organizations. The vulnerability arises from improper sanitization of user-supplied input, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of the victim's browser. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.3 indicates a high severity, with the vector string AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L meaning the attack can be performed remotely over the network without any privileges or user interaction, and it impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent. Exploiting this vulnerability could enable attackers to steal sensitive information such as session tokens or credentials, manipulate data, or cause denial of service conditions. While no patches or exploits are currently documented, the vulnerability's presence in a critical administrative function increases its risk profile. The CWE-79 classification confirms it as a classic reflected or stored XSS issue, emphasizing the need for input validation and output encoding in the affected function.

The impact of CVE-2024-40511 is significant for organizations using openPetra, especially those relying on it for administrative and sensitive operations. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including administrative credentials or session tokens, potentially allowing further compromise of the system. Data integrity may be affected if attackers inject malicious scripts that alter displayed information or perform unauthorized actions. Availability could also be impacted if the injected scripts cause application crashes or disrupt normal operations. Given the vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, attackers can remotely exploit it at scale, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated data with openPetra installations face compliance and reputational risks if this vulnerability is exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2024-40511, organizations should first monitor for any official patches or updates from the openPetra development team and apply them promptly once available. In the absence of a patch, implement strict input validation and output encoding on the serverMServerAdmin.asmx function to sanitize all user inputs and prevent script injection. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block XSS attack patterns targeting this endpoint. Conduct thorough code reviews focusing on input handling and ensure adherence to secure coding practices for all web-facing functions. Additionally, restrict access to the administrative interface by IP whitelisting or VPN-only access to reduce exposure. Enable Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. Regularly audit logs for suspicious activity related to this function and educate administrators about the risks of XSS attacks.