CVE-2008-3585 in GreenCart PHP Shopping Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in PozScripts GreenCart PHP Shopping Cart allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to (1) product_desc.php and (2) store_info.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3585 represents a critical security flaw in the PozScripts GreenCart PHP Shopping Cart system, specifically manifesting as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. This vulnerability affects two distinct script files within the shopping cart application, namely product_desc.php and store_info.php, where the id parameter serves as the primary attack vector. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the application's database interaction logic, allowing malicious actors to manipulate SQL query structures through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. When the id parameter is passed to either product_desc.php or store_info.php, the application directly concatenates this input into database queries without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates an exploitable condition where attackers can inject malicious SQL syntax that alters the intended query execution flow, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and demonstrates the classic pattern of insufficient input validation in database operations.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential complete system compromise. Remote attackers could leverage these SQL injection points to extract sensitive customer information including personal details, credit card data, and administrative credentials stored within the database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects core shopping cart functionality, meaning that any visitor to the website could potentially exploit the flaw without requiring authentication. This creates a high-risk scenario for e-commerce operations where financial data and personal information are routinely processed through the affected system.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application interfaces for data exfiltration and system control. Organizations operating vulnerable GreenCart installations face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and financial losses. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity, making it particularly dangerous for businesses with limited network security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-3585 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and parameterized query execution throughout the affected application. System administrators should implement prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. Additionally, the application should employ proper input sanitization techniques and implement comprehensive output encoding to prevent malicious input from being executed. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any other potential injection points within their web applications and ensure that all database interactions follow secure coding practices. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation as fundamental defensive measures against SQL injection attacks.