CVE-2006-2483 in Squirrelcart
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in cart_content.php in Squirrelcart 2.2.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cart_isp_root parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2483 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Squirrelcart e-commerce platform version 2.2.2 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the cart_content.php script which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters, specifically the cart_isp_root parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs into the application's request flow, potentially allowing remote code execution on the target server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it a prime target for automated attacks and exploitation by threat actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, specifically referencing the dangerous practice of including files based on user-supplied input without proper sanitization. The flaw manifests when the application accepts the cart_isp_root parameter directly from HTTP requests and uses it to construct file inclusion paths without adequate validation or filtering mechanisms. This creates an environment where an attacker can manipulate the parameter to point to malicious remote resources, effectively allowing the web server to fetch and execute arbitrary PHP code from external locations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic example of unsafe dynamic code execution practices that violate fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, data theft, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the entire Squirrelcart installation and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it highly accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory violations, particularly in environments where sensitive customer information is processed. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors, deploy malware, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against other systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of Squirrelcart that properly validates and sanitizes the cart_isp_root parameter before processing. Organizations should implement input validation controls that reject suspicious URL patterns and enforce strict parameter filtering to prevent malicious URLs from being processed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring for known exploitation patterns. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP settings and implementing proper access controls to limit the attack surface. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security assessments of the affected systems, including code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities and implementation of secure coding practices that prevent future occurrences. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address potential compromise.