CVE-2024-51031 is a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the manage_account.php script of Sourcecodester Cab Management System version 1.0. This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application by manipulating the 'First Name,' 'Middle Name,' and 'Last Name' fields during account management operations. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient input validation and improper output encoding of user-supplied data, which is then rendered in the web interface without adequate sanitization. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.4, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), with low attack complexity (AC:L), but requires privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact affects confidentiality and integrity to a limited extent (C:L, I:L), but does not affect availability (A:N). Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, unauthorized actions, or further exploitation. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation).

The primary impact of CVE-2024-51031 is the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of authenticated users, which can lead to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, or unauthorized actions within the cab management system. This can compromise user confidentiality and data integrity. Although availability is not directly affected, the injected scripts could be used to pivot attacks or escalate privileges, potentially leading to broader system compromise. Organizations relying on Sourcecodester Cab Management System 1.0 for managing cab services may face operational disruptions if attackers exploit this vulnerability to manipulate user accounts or data. The requirement for authentication and user interaction limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with many users or weak access controls. The lack of published patches increases the window of exposure, making timely mitigation critical. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk but could be leveraged in targeted attacks against transportation or logistics companies using this software.

To mitigate CVE-2024-51031, organizations should implement strict input validation on the 'First Name,' 'Middle Name,' and 'Last Name' fields to reject or sanitize any potentially malicious scripts or HTML tags. Employing context-aware output encoding (e.g., HTML entity encoding) before rendering user input in web pages is essential to prevent script execution. Implementing a robust Content Security Policy (CSP) can help restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts. Additionally, enforcing least privilege principles and strong authentication mechanisms reduces the risk of exploitation. Monitoring logs for unusual account management activities and anomalous script injections can aid in early detection. Since no official patches are available, consider applying virtual patching via web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block XSS payloads targeting these fields. Regularly update and audit the application codebase for similar vulnerabilities. Educate users about phishing and social engineering risks that could facilitate exploitation. Finally, maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any detected exploitation attempts.