CVE-2009-1447 in Free Shopping Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted file upload vulnerability in admin/editor/image.php in e-cart.biz Free Shopping Cart allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a file with an executable extension, then accessing it via a direct request to the file in images/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1447 represents a critical unrestricted file upload flaw within the e-cart.biz Free Shopping Cart platform, specifically affecting the admin/editor/image.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to bypass security controls and upload malicious files with executable extensions directly to the server. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file types allowed for upload operations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious files with extensions such as .php, .asp, .jsp, or other executable formats and placing them in the images/ directory where they become accessible via direct web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications allow file uploads without proper validation of file types, content, or destination paths. The flaw occurs because the application does not perform adequate checks on uploaded files, failing to verify file extensions, MIME types, or file content against a whitelist of allowed formats. This oversight creates a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution since the uploaded files can be executed by the web server when accessed through the images/ directory. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected organizations. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. Attackers can upload web shells, backdoors, or other malicious payloads that provide persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and launch further attacks against internal networks. The direct accessibility of uploaded files via the images/ directory means that even simple file upload operations can result in full system compromise, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1447 should focus on implementing comprehensive file upload security controls. Organizations must implement strict file type validation by maintaining whitelists of allowed file extensions and MIME types, rejecting any uploads that do not conform to these approved lists. The uploaded files should be stored in a separate directory from web-accessible content, and proper file permissions should be enforced to prevent execution of uploaded files. Additionally, applications should implement proper content validation by examining file headers and content rather than relying solely on file extensions. The principle of least privilege should be applied to file upload directories, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the need for robust perimeter defenses and application security controls to prevent such attacks from succeeding.