CVE-2004-0260 in Cactushop Lite
Summary
by MITRE
The AddToMailingList function in CactuSoft CactuShop 5.0 Lite contains a backdoor that allows remote attackers to delete arbitrary files via an email address that starts with |||.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0260 resides within the AddToMailingList function of CactuSoft CactuShop 5.0 Lite, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the application to unauthorized remote file deletion operations. This backdoor mechanism operates through a specifically crafted email address parameter that begins with the sequence |||, which serves as an indicator to the vulnerable system to execute arbitrary file deletion commands. The flaw fundamentally stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the email address processing logic, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that bypass normal security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of command injection, where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied email addresses before processing them within system commands. When an attacker submits an email address starting with |||, the application interprets this as a directive to execute system-level commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 and CWE-94 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses command injection and code execution flaws. The backdoor functionality essentially creates an unauthorized access point that allows remote attackers to manipulate the underlying file system without proper authentication or authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it provides attackers with the means to completely compromise the application server and potentially gain access to sensitive customer data, system files, and underlying infrastructure. Remote exploitation of this backdoor enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the application, as attackers can not only delete critical files but also potentially overwrite system components or corrupt databases. This represents a significant threat to organizations relying on CactuSoft CactuShop for e-commerce operations, as it directly violates the principles of secure software development and proper input validation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied email addresses, specifically rejecting any input that contains special characters or command sequences that could be interpreted as system commands. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for the application's file system access, ensuring that the application operates with minimal required permissions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how attackers can leverage insecure input handling to execute arbitrary commands on target systems. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the CactuSoft CactuShop application to versions that properly validate email addresses and eliminate the backdoor functionality. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious email address patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.