CVE-2003-1500 in cpCommerce
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in _functions.php in cpCommerce 0.5f allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the prefix parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1500 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the cpCommerce 0.5f e-commerce platform, specifically within the _functions.php file. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure direct object references and falls squarely within the CWE-829 category, which addresses the inclusion of code from untrusted sources. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the prefix parameter that is used to construct file paths during application execution. This vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vector that allows attackers to inject malicious code through the web application's input handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the prefix parameter to include malicious file paths that point to remote servers hosting attacker-controlled code. The cpCommerce application processes this parameter without adequate validation, leading to the inclusion of external files that can contain malicious PHP code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially gaining full control over the web application environment. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application level, where successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2003-1500 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant security implications for web application infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against internal networks. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on cpCommerce for their online business operations. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting remote services, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through software updates and code modifications. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes using allowlists for acceptable input values, implementing proper parameter validation, and avoiding dynamic file inclusion based on user input. Additionally, the application should employ secure coding practices that prevent path traversal attacks and ensure that all external file references are properly validated. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding guidelines and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar flaws in web applications. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.