CVE-2009-20006 in osCommerce
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2025
osCommerce versions up to and including 2.2 RC2a contain a vulnerability in its administrative file manager utility (admin/file_manager.php). The interface allows file uploads and edits without sufficient input validation or access control. An unauthenticated attacker can craft a POST request to upload a .php file containing arbitrary code, which is then executed by the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-20006 resides within the osCommerce e-commerce platform version 2.2 RC2a and earlier releases, specifically within the administrative file manager component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the platform's integrity and exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. The administrative file manager utility admin/file_manager.php provides functionality for managing files within the system, but lacks proper input validation mechanisms and access controls that would normally prevent unauthorized operations.
This vulnerability manifests through insufficient validation of file uploads and editing operations within the administrative interface. The flaw allows attackers to bypass authentication requirements and upload malicious php files containing arbitrary code without proper authorization. The system accepts file uploads without verifying file types, content, or ensuring that the uploading entity possesses legitimate administrative privileges. This weakness creates an attack surface where unauthenticated users can exploit the administrative interface to inject malicious code directly into the web server's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected system. Once a malicious php file is uploaded and executed, the attacker gains the ability to perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE-22 category, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which covers external control of file name or path. The attack vector follows the pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through web application vulnerabilities.
The risk assessment for this vulnerability indicates a high severity level due to the combination of unauthenticated access, remote code execution capability, and the widespread use of osCommerce versions up to 2.2 RC2a. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant exposure to compromise, as the attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated. The vulnerability essentially removes the administrative barrier that should prevent unauthorized file operations, creating a backdoor for attackers to establish persistent presence within the system. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the osCommerce platform to a version that addresses this vulnerability, implementing proper input validation and access controls, and conducting thorough security assessments of the affected systems to identify any potential compromise.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend to broader considerations around web application security practices and the importance of proper authentication mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs, implementing robust access controls, and ensuring that administrative functions are properly secured against unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious file upload activities, and establishing incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for security awareness and proper code review practices in web application development to prevent similar weaknesses from being introduced into software systems.