CVE-2000-1188 in Quikstore
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Quikstore shopping cart program allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) attack in the "page" parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2025
The CVE-2000-1188 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Quikstore shopping cart application that fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of web applications. This vulnerability operates through a classic path traversal attack vector where malicious actors exploit improper input validation to access files outside the intended directory structure. The specific weakness lies in how the application processes the "page" parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input containing directory traversal sequences such as "../". This vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The attack mechanism leverages the fundamental principle that web applications should never trust user input and must always validate and sanitize all external data before processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem by manipulating the page parameter to include sequences that navigate upward through directory hierarchies. When an attacker submits a request containing .. characters in the page parameter, the application processes these sequences without proper validation, enabling access to sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, source code, or system files that should remain protected. This type of attack directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical failure in input validation and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) when combined with other attack vectors, as it provides attackers with the capability to discover and extract sensitive information from the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-1188 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potentially devastating access to critical system components and sensitive data. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to read configuration files that may contain database passwords, application secrets, or system credentials. The vulnerability affects web applications that do not properly implement input sanitization and validation, making it particularly dangerous in e-commerce environments where sensitive customer data and financial information are stored. Organizations running affected Quikstore implementations face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges by accessing system files or configuration data that could reveal additional attack vectors or system weaknesses. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it often requires minimal technical skill to exploit and can be automated through various penetration testing tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-1188 must focus on implementing robust input validation and proper access control mechanisms. Organizations should immediately implement proper parameter sanitization by filtering or rejecting input containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or "..\". The application should employ a whitelist approach for valid page parameters rather than allowing arbitrary input. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and ensuring that web applications run with minimal required privileges can significantly reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of Quikstore or implementing proper input validation at the application level, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that requires core code modifications to address properly. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against path traversal attacks.