CVE-2002-1991 in osCommerce
Summary
by MITRE
PHP file inclusion vulnerability in osCommerce 2.1 execute arbitrary commands via the include_file parameter to include_once.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1991 represents a critical security flaw in the osCommerce 2.1 e-commerce platform that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands through a file inclusion mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets the include_once.php script which processes user-supplied input through the include_file parameter, creating a path traversal and code execution vector that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the osCommerce application's file inclusion logic. When the application processes the include_file parameter without adequate sanitization, it allows attackers to inject malicious file paths that can reference local files or remote resources. This flaw falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and path traversal vulnerabilities as defined by CWE-22 and CWE-23, where user-controllable input directly influences file system operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages PHP's include_once functionality to execute arbitrary code, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to compromised systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, establish backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments. The attack surface is significant as osCommerce installations are commonly found in web hosting environments where they may be running with elevated privileges. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1021.004 (Remote Services: SSH) as attackers can use the executed commands to establish persistent access and further exploit the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected osCommerce 2.1 installations with the latest security updates provided by the vendor. Organizations should implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing them within file inclusion contexts. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles can limit the damage scope if exploitation occurs. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and anomalous command execution activities. Security administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests targeting known vulnerable parameters and consider adopting secure coding practices that prevent direct file path manipulation in application logic.