CVE-2026-14691: Code Injection in SourceCodester Grocery Management System 1.0

Technical summary

CVE-2026-14691 is a code injection vulnerability (CWE-74, CWE-94) affecting the update_settings_info function in classes/SystemSettings.php. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on the content[] parameter within the Setting Handler component. An authenticated user can inject arbitrary code that will be processed and executed by the application server. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network and does not require special user interaction. CVSS v3.1 score is 6.3 (MEDIUM), reflecting the requirement for valid credentials but the direct impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Business impact

Organizations deploying this grocery management system face risk of unauthorized code execution, which could lead to data theft, modification of pricing or inventory records, or service disruption. Customer data stored in the system—including order history, payment information, and addresses—could be compromised. Additionally, attackers could modify product listings, availability, or pricing to manipulate sales or revenue. The reputational harm from a confirmed security breach in a customer-facing e-commerce application is substantial.

Affected systems

SourceCodester Multi-Vendor Online Grocery Management System version 1.0 is confirmed vulnerable. No other versions or products have been identified in available source data; organizations running this specific application should assess their deployment status immediately. If using a patched or later version, risk is mitigated, but version verification is essential.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires valid login credentials but is otherwise straightforward: an authenticated user simply submits a crafted request with malicious code in the content[] parameter to the update_settings_info function. Public disclosure means exploit details and possibly proof-of-concept code are available in security communities and should be assumed known to threat actors. The low complexity (AC:L) and absence of additional user interaction makes this attractive for opportunistic and targeted attacks.

Remediation

Apply a patched version from SourceCodester that addresses the code injection flaw (verify against the vendor advisory for the specific patched version). If patching is delayed, implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied parameters in the Setting Handler, and consider temporarily restricting access to the settings update function to trusted administrators only. Run a baseline security assessment to confirm no unauthorized code has already been injected into production settings.

Patch guidance

Check SourceCodester's official advisory and download center for a patched release of the Multi-Vendor Online Grocery Management System. Apply the patch promptly to all affected instances. Before patching, back up your database and configuration. Test in a non-production environment to ensure compatibility with existing data and customizations. Verify the patch resolves the vulnerability by confirming the content[] parameter is properly sanitized and cannot execute arbitrary code. Monitor application logs during and after patching for any signs of exploitation attempts.

Detection guidance

Monitor application logs for POST requests to the Settings Handler or SystemSettings.php with unusual or suspicious content in the content[] parameter. Look for encoded script tags, shell commands, or database queries within settings update requests. Monitor process execution logs for unexpected child processes spawned by the web application server. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to detect and block payloads that resemble common code injection patterns. Track authentication logs for accounts accessing settings functions outside normal business hours or from unusual locations. File integrity monitoring on SystemSettings.php and related configuration files can alert to unauthorized modifications.

Why prioritize this

Although the CVSS score is MEDIUM (6.3), the combination of public disclosure, low exploitation complexity, and direct code execution capability warrants prioritization. Organizations running version 1.0 should patch before threat actors develop reliable automated exploitation tools. The authentication requirement limits blast radius but does not eliminate risk from insider threats or compromised user accounts.

Risk score, explained

CVSS 6.3 (MEDIUM) reflects: (AV:N) network attack vector—any internet-connected instance is vulnerable; (AC:L) low complexity—no special conditions or knowledge needed beyond standard credentials; (PR:L) low privilege—requires valid login; (UI:N) no user interaction needed—attacker submits the malicious request directly; (S:U) no scope change—impact is limited to the affected system; (C:L, I:L, A:L) low impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability—attacker gains some access and ability to modify data but may not gain complete control. The score is not critical because authentication is a prerequisite, but organizations should not underestimate the risk if employee or partner accounts are compromised.

Frequently asked questions