CVE-2004-1580 in CubeCart
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in index.php in CubeCart 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cat_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1580 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the CubeCart 2.0.1 e-commerce platform, specifically affecting the index.php script. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions through the cat_id parameter, which is commonly used to filter products by category in e-commerce interfaces. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques, creating an attack surface where malicious SQL commands can be injected and executed with the privileges of the database user account.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malformed cat_id parameter value that contains malicious SQL syntax. When the application processes this parameter without proper validation, the injected SQL code becomes part of the executed database query, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL Injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that fail to properly sanitize user inputs before using them in database operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the application's URL structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1580 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access customer information, financial data, and other sensitive business information stored within the database. The vulnerability also enables attackers to manipulate product catalogs, alter pricing information, and potentially inject malicious code into the application. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control through database manipulation, credential access through data extraction, and privilege escalation by leveraging database user permissions. Organizations running affected versions of CubeCart face significant risk of regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage due to the potential for widespread data exposure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query usage within the application code. System administrators should upgrade to patched versions of CubeCart, as version 2.0.2 and later releases contain fixes addressing this specific SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries, can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities within their applications and implement regular security patch management processes. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of validating all user inputs to prevent database manipulation attacks.