CVE-2003-1304 in ProductCart
Summary
by MITRE
EarlyImpact ProductCart 1.0 through 2.0 stores database/EIPC.mdb under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive database information via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1304 represents a critical misconfiguration issue within the EarlyImpact ProductCart e-commerce software versions 1.0 through 2.0. This flaw stems from improper file placement and access control mechanisms that expose sensitive database files to unauthorized users. The database file EIPC.mdb is stored within the web root directory structure, making it directly accessible through standard web requests without proper authentication or authorization checks. This configuration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure file handling, creating an exploitable condition that directly enables information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of the ProductCart software, indicating a systemic security flaw in the application's deployment methodology rather than a single isolated issue.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through straightforward web-based requests that directly access the database file through the web server's document root. When an attacker constructs a URL pointing to the EIPC.mdb file within the web accessible directory, the web server serves the file without any access restrictions. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the application fails to implement proper access controls for database files. The flaw aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-264 - Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls, as it demonstrates both path traversal issues and inadequate access control enforcement. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited using standard web browsers or automated tools without requiring specialized knowledge of the underlying system architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the entire e-commerce platform and its associated data. The EIPC.mdb database likely contains sensitive customer information, transaction records, product catalogs, and potentially administrative credentials that could be used for further attacks. Attackers could obtain user account details, credit card information, personal identification data, and business-critical information that would enable identity theft, financial fraud, and business disruption. The exposure of database files creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks including data manipulation, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the affected network. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a direct pathway to access the core data repository of the e-commerce system, making it a high-value target for cybercriminals and threat actors.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several remediation measures to address the security issue. The primary mitigation involves moving the database files outside of the web root directory structure to prevent direct web access. This approach follows the principle of least privilege and ensures that database files are not accessible through standard web requests. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for database files is essential to prevent unauthorized access. The remediation process should include conducting a comprehensive security audit of all web applications to identify similar misconfigurations and ensure that database files are properly secured. Organizations should also establish secure deployment practices that enforce proper file permissions and access controls as part of their standard development and operations procedures. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and deployment methodologies that prevent sensitive files from being exposed to unauthorized users, as outlined in various security frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards.