CVE-2024-51337 is a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Gibbon open-source school management system, specifically affecting versions prior to 27.0.01 and resolved in version 28.0.00. The vulnerability resides in the email parameter processed by the user_manage_editProcess.php script within the User Admin module. An attacker with at least limited privileges (PR:L) and requiring user interaction (UI:R) can craft malicious input that is not properly sanitized, leading to script injection. This can result in the execution of arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity but can affect availability, likely through disruption or denial of service mechanisms triggered by the injected scripts. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.5, reflecting a low severity due to the need for privileges and user interaction, and the limited impact scope. No public exploits have been reported, indicating low current threat activity. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, a common category for XSS issues. The patch is included in Gibbon version 28.0.00, and users are advised to upgrade to this or later versions to remediate the issue.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-51337 is limited availability disruption due to potential script execution in the victim's browser, which could cause session interruptions or denial of service conditions. Since the vulnerability requires limited privileges and user interaction, the attack surface is constrained, reducing the likelihood of widespread exploitation. Confidentiality and integrity of data are not directly affected, minimizing risks of data theft or unauthorized modification. However, in environments where Gibbon is used to manage sensitive educational data and user accounts, even limited disruptions can affect operational continuity and user trust. Organizations relying on affected versions may face targeted attacks aiming to disrupt administrative functions or user sessions. The absence of known exploits in the wild lowers immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for remediation. Overall, the impact is low but non-negligible for institutions dependent on Gibbon for critical administrative tasks.

To mitigate CVE-2024-51337, organizations should upgrade Gibbon installations to version 28.0.00 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. In addition to patching, administrators should implement strict input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data, especially parameters like email addresses in administrative modules. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk of exploitation by low-privilege attackers. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or interacting with untrusted content within the application. Regularly audit and monitor logs for unusual activity related to user management functions. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling or restricting access to the vulnerable module temporarily. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of Gibbon versions deployed to ensure timely application of security updates.