CVE-2026-1421 identifies a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the code-projects Online Examination System version 1.0, specifically within an unspecified function of the Add Pages component. XSS vulnerabilities arise when an application does not properly sanitize user-supplied input, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of other users. In this case, the vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring authentication, but user interaction is necessary to trigger the malicious payload. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:L), and no user interaction required (UI:P), with no impact on confidentiality (C:N), limited impact on integrity (I:L), and no impact on availability (A:N). The vulnerability does not affect system confidentiality but can compromise integrity by executing unauthorized scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user. Although no public exploits are currently known, the disclosure of the vulnerability increases the risk of future exploitation. The lack of vendor patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention to input validation and output encoding to mitigate risks. The affected product is primarily used in educational and certification environments, where the integrity of examination processes is critical.

For European organizations, particularly educational institutions and certification bodies using the code-projects Online Examination System, this vulnerability poses risks to the integrity and trustworthiness of online examinations. Exploitation could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts that hijack user sessions, steal credentials, or manipulate exam content, undermining the fairness and security of assessments. This could lead to reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny under GDPR due to potential data breaches, and operational disruptions. The impact is more pronounced in countries with widespread adoption of this system or similar platforms in their education sectors. Additionally, attackers could leverage this vulnerability as a foothold for further attacks within the network, especially if integrated with other systems. The medium severity rating reflects a moderate risk that requires prompt mitigation but is not immediately critical.

To mitigate CVE-2026-1421, organizations should implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user inputs in the Add Pages component to prevent injection of malicious scripts. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. Monitor web application logs for suspicious activities indicative of XSS attempts. Since no official patches are currently available, consider temporary workarounds such as disabling or restricting access to the vulnerable Add Pages functionality until a vendor patch is released. Conduct security awareness training for users to recognize and avoid phishing attempts that may exploit this vulnerability. Regularly update and audit the Online Examination System and related components for security compliance. Engage with the vendor for timely patch releases and verify the integrity of updates before deployment.