CVE-2009-2255 in Zen Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Zen Cart 1.3.8a, 1.3.8, and earlier does not require administrative authentication for admin/record_company.php, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by uploading a .php file via the record_company_image parameter in conjunction with a PATH_INFO of password_forgotten.php, then accessing this file via a direct request to the file in images/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2255 affects Zen Cart versions 1.3.8a and earlier, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote code execution. This issue stems from insufficient administrative authentication requirements within the admin/record_company.php component, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the system's administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific attack vector that leverages the lack of proper authentication checks in the record_company.php administrative script. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading a malicious php file through the record_company_image parameter, which serves as an image upload functionality. The attack requires the attacker to craft a specific PATH_INFO parameter pointing to password_forgotten.php, effectively manipulating the application's execution flow to bypass normal authentication procedures.
This vulnerability operates under the broader context of insecure file upload mechanisms and authentication bypass flaws that have been consistently identified in web applications. The flaw aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications allow users to upload files without proper validation or authentication checks. The attack chain demonstrates how improper access controls combined with file upload functionality can create persistent backdoors within web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with administrative privileges. Once successful, attackers can manipulate the entire e-commerce platform, modify product catalogs, access customer data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against the broader network infrastructure. The direct access to the images/ directory enables persistent malicious file execution, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for long-term compromise.
The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely without prior authentication, making it highly attractive to threat actors. The exploitation process involves uploading a malicious payload, leveraging the PATH_INFO manipulation to bypass authentication, and then executing the uploaded file directly. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper authentication checks for all administrative functions and validating all user inputs, particularly those related to file uploads and system configuration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected Zen Cart installations to version 1.3.9 or later, where authentication requirements have been properly enforced. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation for file uploads, restrict write permissions on upload directories, and ensure that all administrative functions require proper authentication before execution. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The remediation process should also include reviewing all administrative scripts for similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities and implementing principle of least privilege access controls for file upload functionalities.
This vulnerability exemplifies the ATT&CK technique of "T1078 - Valid Accounts" and "T1505.003 - Server Software Component" by exploiting legitimate administrative pathways while leveraging component-level weaknesses. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and implement proper security controls including regular vulnerability scanning, code reviews, and secure development practices that address authentication requirements and input validation.