CVE-2006-0478 in CRE Loaded
Summary
by MITRE
CRE Loaded 6.15 allows remote attackers to perform privileged actions, including uploading and creating arbitrary files, via a direct request to files.php. NOTE: the vendor states "The initial announcement of this risk was made on our website... and it included a patch which will close the vulnerability on all known 6.0x and 6.1x releases. We strongly encourage users of CRE Loaded 6.x, osCMax, and other users of osCommerce who have installed HTMLArea based WYSIWYG editors and Admin Access with Levels to modify thier installations at the earliest possible moment."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0478 affects CRE Loaded 6.15, a widely used e-commerce platform built on the osCommerce foundation. This security flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that allows remote attackers to execute privileged operations without proper authentication. The vulnerability specifically manifests through a direct request to the files.php component, which serves as an administrative interface for file management within the platform. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the application's access control mechanisms, enabling unauthorized users to perform actions typically restricted to administrators.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks within the files.php script. Attackers can craft malicious requests that bypass normal authorization procedures, gaining access to administrative functions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability permits arbitrary file uploads and creation operations, which provides attackers with the capability to introduce malicious code into the target system. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems. The ability to upload arbitrary files creates a direct pathway for attackers to establish persistent access or deploy malware within the compromised environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers to maintain control over the compromised e-commerce platform. Once exploited, attackers can modify core application files, inject malicious code, or even install web shells that provide continuous access to the system. The vulnerability affects not only CRE Loaded 6.15 but also other platforms in the osCommerce family including osCMax, indicating a broader issue within the codebase that was inherited from the original osCommerce framework. This widespread impact suggests that the underlying architectural flaw exists in multiple versions, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations running these platforms.
The vendor's response to this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of prompt patch management and security updates in maintaining system integrity. The availability of a patch specifically designed to address all known 6.0x and 6.1x releases shows that the issue was recognized as a critical security concern requiring immediate attention. However, the vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely fall under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through web application interfaces. Organizations utilizing these platforms must implement immediate security measures including patch deployment, network monitoring for suspicious file upload activities, and comprehensive access control reviews. The vulnerability also highlights the risks associated with WYSIWYG editors and administrative access level configurations, suggesting that these components require additional security hardening to prevent similar issues in the future.