CVE-2002-2303 in Shopfactory
Summary
by MITRE
3D3.Com ShopFactory 5.8 uses client-side encryption and decryption for sensitive price data, which allows remote attackers to modify shopping cart prices by using the Javascript to decrypt the cookie that contains the data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2018
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2002-2303 affects 3D3.Com ShopFactory 5.8, a web-based e-commerce platform that implements client-side encryption for sensitive price data within shopping cart functionality. This security flaw stems from the application's improper handling of cryptographic operations, specifically the use of JavaScript-based encryption and decryption mechanisms to protect price information stored in browser cookies. The vulnerability represents a critical design flaw in the application's security architecture, as it places the responsibility of data protection entirely on the client-side rather than implementing proper server-side security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of client-side JavaScript code that handles the encryption and decryption of price data stored in cookies. When users add items to their shopping cart, the price information is encrypted using JavaScript before being stored in browser cookies. Attackers can exploit this by examining the JavaScript code that performs the decryption process, identifying the encryption algorithm and key management methods, and subsequently modifying the cookie values to alter price information. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of secure coding practices where sensitive data should never be encrypted or decrypted on the client-side without proper server-side validation and authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for e-commerce systems, as it allows remote attackers to manipulate financial transactions without requiring server access or authentication credentials. An attacker can modify the price values stored in the shopping cart cookie, potentially reducing the cost of purchased items or inflating prices, leading to direct financial loss for the merchant. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of transaction data, undermining the trust model that e-commerce platforms must maintain with their customers. This type of attack can be executed entirely through browser-based interaction without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous for online retailers.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues related to improper implementation of cryptographic functions, and specifically relates to CWE-312, which covers the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage or transmission. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1555.003, which covers credential access through the use of stolen credentials or compromised session management. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of secure data handling principles where client-side encryption is used as a substitute for proper server-side security controls, creating a false sense of security while leaving critical financial data vulnerable to manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of server-side encryption and validation mechanisms for all sensitive transaction data. Organizations should eliminate client-side encryption for financial information and instead implement robust server-side processing where all price calculations and data integrity checks occur on the server. The solution involves implementing proper session management with secure cookies that cannot be modified by clients, using server-side validation of all transaction data, and implementing cryptographic functions only on the server side where the keys remain protected. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that sensitive data is not being unnecessarily exposed to client-side processing, and that all user interactions with financial data are properly authenticated and authorized through secure server-side validation mechanisms.