CVE-2007-3138 in Quick.Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Open Solution Quick.Cart 2.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in an sLanguage cookie, which is used to define a value in config/general.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3138 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Open Solution Quick.Cart 2.2 content management system that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This weakness specifically affects the index.php script where user-supplied input from the sLanguage cookie parameter is improperly validated and processed without adequate sanitization measures. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate user input before using it to construct file paths, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted cookie values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of the .. (dot dot) sequence within the sLanguage cookie value which allows attackers to navigate up the directory structure and access files outside the intended web root directory. When the application processes the sLanguage parameter, it directly incorporates this value into the file inclusion mechanism without proper path validation, enabling attackers to reference arbitrary local files on the server. The vulnerability specifically targets the config/general.php file where the sLanguage cookie value is used to determine which language configuration file to load, making it possible for attackers to include and execute any PHP file that exists on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which classifies it as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The attack vector allows remote unauthenticated users to exploit the flaw by simply setting a malicious sLanguage cookie value that contains directory traversal sequences. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's directory structure.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the file inclusion mechanism to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise, as attackers can include and execute any PHP file present on the server, potentially gaining access to database credentials, user accounts, and other sensitive system components. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper file access controls in web applications, particularly those that dynamically include or require files based on user-supplied parameters.
Organizations running affected versions of Quick.Cart should implement immediate mitigations including input validation for all cookie parameters, implementing proper path sanitization before file operations, and restricting file inclusion to predefined safe directories. The recommended approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation mechanism that only allows specific, pre-approved language files to be included, rather than allowing arbitrary file paths to be specified. Additionally, the application should be upgraded to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes the sLanguage cookie parameter before using it in file inclusion operations, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively mitigated through network-level controls alone.