CVE-2005-4429 in CS-Cart
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in CS-Cart 1.3.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) sort_by and (2) sort_order parameters to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4429 represents a critical sql injection flaw within CS-Cart version 1.3.0 ecommerce platform. This vulnerability resides in the core application logic where user-supplied input parameters are directly incorporated into sql query construction without adequate sanitization or parameterization. The specific attack vectors involve the sort_by and sort_order parameters within the index.php script, which are commonly used for sorting product listings and other data displays. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating these parameters to inject malicious sql code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category of sql injection, which is classified as a severe weakness in application security. This type of vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user input through the sort_by and sort_order parameters without proper input validation or escaping mechanisms. When an attacker submits malicious sql payload through these parameters, the application incorporates the tainted data directly into sql queries, enabling the execution of unauthorized database operations. The attack typically involves injecting sql syntax such as union select statements or boolean conditions that manipulate the intended query behavior. This flaw demonstrates poor input handling practices and violates fundamental security principles of data sanitization and parameterized queries. The vulnerability can be leveraged to extract sensitive data including user credentials, customer information, product catalogs, and administrative details from the database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can modify database contents, create backdoor accounts, or even escalate privileges within the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 (exploitation for lateral movement) and T1071.004 (application layer protocol: dns) as attackers may use the compromised system to launch further attacks or establish persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4429 is severe for any organization utilizing CS-Cart 1.3.0, as it provides remote attackers with unrestricted access to the underlying database infrastructure. Organizations may face complete data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and significant financial losses due to stolen customer information or intellectual property. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire ecommerce platform, potentially compromising thousands of user accounts and business-critical data. System administrators must immediately implement mitigation strategies including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to protect against exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management processes, as this flaw existed in a widely deployed version of the software. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar injection vulnerabilities and ensure proper input sanitization practices are implemented across all application components. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities often leads to cascading security incidents where initial access is used to establish persistent backdoors or to move laterally within network environments.