CVE-2000-0401 in PDG Shopping Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflows in redirect.exe and changepw.exe in PDGSoft shopping cart allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a long query string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0401 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting PDGSoft shopping cart software components redirect.exe and changepw.exe. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the application's execution environment. The affected executables are part of the web application's authentication and redirection mechanisms, making them prime targets for exploitation in web-based attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the query string processing functions of these two executables. When remote attackers submit maliciously crafted query strings exceeding the allocated buffer size, the application fails to properly terminate or validate the input data. This condition creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data overwrites the return address and potentially other critical program variables in the call stack. The vulnerability specifically impacts the memory management of these applications, allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0401 extends beyond simple data corruption or application crashes, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve remote code execution. This capability enables threat actors to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects web applications that rely on PDGSoft shopping cart functionality, making it particularly dangerous in e-commerce environments where sensitive customer data and financial transactions are processed. Security researchers have noted that such buffer overflow vulnerabilities in web applications often map to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of input validation flaws to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected PDGSoft shopping cart components, as no reliable workarounds exist for the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks. Input validation should be enhanced at multiple layers including web application firewalls and application code level to prevent malformed query strings from reaching the vulnerable components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices, aligning with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework recommendations for preventing buffer overflow attacks. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar flaws in other legacy applications that may be susceptible to similar exploitation techniques.