CVE-1999-0606 in EZMall
Summary
by MITRE
An incorrect configuration of the EZMall 2000 shopping cart CGI program "mall2000.cgi" could disclose private information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-0606 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the EZMall 2000 shopping cart CGI program, specifically affecting the "mall2000.cgi" component. This issue stems from improper configuration practices that inadvertently expose sensitive data to unauthorized users. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure configuration as defined by CWE-276, which encompasses weaknesses related to improper permissions, access controls, and system configuration settings. The affected system typically operates within web server environments where CGI scripts handle e-commerce transactions and user data processing, making the exposure of private information particularly concerning for organizations managing online retail operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the mall2000.cgi script fails to properly validate input parameters or implement adequate access controls during its execution. This misconfiguration allows attackers to manipulate URL parameters or request variables to gain access to restricted data that should normally be protected. The flaw likely resides in how the CGI program processes user requests, potentially through inadequate input sanitization, missing authentication checks, or improper file access permissions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1566 for phishing techniques, as attackers could exploit this information disclosure to gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability may also align with T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to private information stored within the shopping cart system.
The operational impact of CVE-1999-0606 extends beyond simple data exposure, as the disclosed private information could include customer details, transaction records, payment information, and other sensitive business data. This exposure creates significant risk for organizations operating e-commerce platforms, as the compromised information could be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or competitive intelligence gathering. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires minimal technical skill, making it attractive to a wide range of threat actors from script kiddies to organized criminal groups. Organizations may experience regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, reputation damage, and potential legal consequences due to the unauthorized disclosure of private information. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that this vulnerability affects web-based commerce systems where user privacy and data protection are paramount concerns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-0606 should focus on implementing proper configuration management and access control mechanisms within the affected web application. System administrators must ensure that all CGI scripts implement robust input validation, proper authentication checks, and appropriate file permission settings. The remediation process should include reviewing and correcting the configuration of the mall2000.cgi program to prevent unauthorized access to private data through parameter manipulation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation, access logging, and monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. According to industry best practices and standards such as NIST SP 800-53, proper configuration management and access control implementations are essential components of secure system deployment. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration weaknesses that could lead to information disclosure vulnerabilities in other system components.