CVE-2006-1257 in Commerce Server
Summary
by MITRE
The sample files in the authfiles directory in Microsoft Commerce Server 2002 before SP2 allow remote attackers to bypass authentication by logging in to authfiles/login.asp with a valid username and any password, then going to the main site twice.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1257 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Microsoft Commerce Server 2002 prior to Service Pack 2. This issue resides within the sample files located in the authfiles directory, specifically affecting the authfiles/login.asp component. The flaw allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to protected resources by exploiting a weakness in the authentication mechanism that was intended for demonstration purposes but remained accessible in production environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of authentication credentials within the sample login page. When a valid username is submitted to authfiles/login.asp regardless of the password provided, the system incorrectly accepts the login attempt and establishes a session. This behavior occurs because the sample files contain hardcoded or improperly configured authentication logic that does not properly verify user credentials against the actual user database or authentication store. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker logs in with a valid username and any password, then navigates to the main site twice, which triggers the authentication bypass mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthorized users to access restricted areas of the commerce server without proper authentication. This creates a pathway for attackers to potentially access sensitive customer data, modify product information, process fraudulent transactions, or gain administrative privileges within the system. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the platform, as it undermines the core authentication mechanism that should protect all protected resources. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain persistent access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for e-commerce environments where financial transactions and personal data are processed.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing, as attackers could leverage this flaw to establish unauthorized access to legitimate user accounts. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-015 which addresses this specific vulnerability, removing or securing the authfiles directory from production environments, and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized access to sample files. The recommended long-term solution involves upgrading to Microsoft Commerce Server 2002 SP2 or later versions where this authentication bypass has been properly addressed through improved credential validation mechanisms and enhanced session management protocols.