CVE-2002-2019 in osCommerce
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in include_once.php in osCommerce (a.k.a. Exchange Project) 2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the include_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2019 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the osCommerce e-commerce platform version 2.1, specifically within the include_once.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input without proper validation. The issue stems from the application's failure to sanitize the include_file parameter, which is directly used in the include_once() function call, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the include_file parameter to point to a remote malicious file hosted on an external server. When the vulnerable osCommerce application processes this parameter, it executes the include_once() function with the attacker-controlled input, effectively allowing remote code execution on the target system. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 in the Common Weakness Enumeration, which specifically addresses improper control of generation of code, where the application constructs code or commands based on user-controllable input without proper validation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure coding.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2019 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can install backdoors, steal sensitive customer data, modify product information, manipulate transaction records, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against the broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the entire osCommerce platform and has implications for any web application that uses similar include mechanisms without proper input validation, making it a significant concern for e-commerce websites that handle sensitive financial information and personal customer data. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that osCommerce was widely deployed in the early 2000s, providing attackers with numerous potential targets.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected osCommerce installations with the latest security updates from the project maintainers. Organizations should also implement proper input validation measures that filter or sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed by include functions. The principle of least privilege should be applied to web server configurations, limiting the permissions of web applications to prevent unauthorized file access. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, the implementation of proper logging and monitoring mechanisms will aid in identifying exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script injection, and T1071 for application layer protocol usage, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple attack vectors.