CVE-2004-2021 in osCommerce
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in file_manager.php in osCommerce 2.2 allows remote attackers to view arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2021 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the osCommerce 2.2 e-commerce platform's file_manager.php component. This security weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the web server by manipulating the filename argument through directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation. The vulnerability specifically affects the file management functionality of the platform, which is commonly used for administrative tasks such as uploading, downloading, and managing files within the store's file system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the file_manager.php script. When users provide filenames through the filename argument parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing file operations. This allows malicious actors to inject directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file access controls and navigate to directories outside the intended file scope. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that manipulate the filename parameter to include .. sequences, effectively allowing attackers to traverse up the directory tree and access files that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can potentially access sensitive files such as configuration files containing database credentials, administrative scripts, user data, and other confidential information stored on the web server. This exposure can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the e-commerce platform, potentially exposing sensitive customer information and business-critical data. Additionally, the ability to read arbitrary files may enable attackers to discover other vulnerabilities within the system or extract information that could be used for further exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal or path traversal flaws in software applications. This classification indicates that the flaw involves improper handling of file paths that allows attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access through file system manipulation. The attack chain typically involves reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable endpoint, followed by exploitation using directory traversal sequences to access sensitive files. Organizations running affected versions of osCommerce 2.2 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper file access controls, and application-level restrictions on file operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all file path parameters, particularly those used in file management functions. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts, implement proper access controls that restrict file system access to authorized users only, and ensure that file operations are performed within designated safe directories. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities, and the affected osCommerce installation should be upgraded to a supported version that includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and conducting regular security assessments can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components of the e-commerce platform.