Securing a High-Traffic EdTech Platform Against Critical Vulnerabilities

A fast-scaling, US-based educational technology company offering a web-based learning management system. Serving over 10,000 students, instructors, and administrators, the platform supports course management and sensitive academic data while expanding its enterprise footprint globally.

• No prior professional security assessment, leaving the platform without a defined security baseline.
• Absence of FERPA and GDPR compliance, limiting enterprise readiness.
• Critical weaknesses in authentication flows, including password reset and session management.
• Rapid feature expansion increased the attack surface without corresponding security validation.
• Exposure of sensitive data such as AWS credentials and database schema in application responses.
   

We implemented a structured, four-phase web application security assessment combining automated scanning with expert manual testing to uncover deep-seated vulnerabilities, such as business logic flaws and authentication bypass risks that automated tools miss. The four-phased engagement extended beyond detection to a remediation partnership, ensuring vulnerabilities were resolved effectively and securely.

• Full application reconnaissance covering architecture, roles, and authentication flows
• Manual testing aligned with OWASP Top 10 and SANS Top 25 standards
• Proof-of-concept exploit validation with CVSS v3.1 scoring and attack chain documentation
• Detailed remediation roadmap with developer training and fix verification
   

Our assessment identified 23 vulnerabilities, including two critical authentication flaws (CVSS 9.8 & 9.1) that could enable full account takeover and administrative access without credentials. 

Key Risks Uncovered

• Complete account takeover via password reset manipulation
• Authentication bypass through insecure session cookies
• Stored XSS enabling malicious script execution across users
• Broken access control allowing privilege escalation
• Sensitive data exposure, including AWS credentials and internal architecture
• No brute-force protection, leaving accounts vulnerable to automated attacks

Remediation Actions Delivered

• Patched critical authentication vulnerabilities to prevent account takeover
• Eliminated XSS and injection risks through input sanitization
• Implemented rate limiting and account lockout to stop brute-force attacks
• Rotated AWS credentials and hardened infrastructure security
• Embedded security into CI/CD and development practices
   

• Achieved full FERPA and GDPR compliance, enabling enterprise readiness.
• Secured $2.5M in new contracts post-certification.
• Protected 10,000+ users by eliminating critical account takeover and session hijacking risks.
• Prevented potential breach losses estimated between $1.5M and $5M.
• Reduced security incidents by 90% and accelerated developer review cycles by 60%.