CVE-2010-4147 in Avactis Shopping Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Pentasoft Avactis Shopping Cart 1.9.1 build 8356 free edition and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the User-Agent header to (1) index.php and (2) product-list.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2018
The CVE-2010-4147 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Pentasoft Avactis Shopping Cart versions 1.9.1 build 8356 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the free edition of the shopping cart platform and demonstrates a fundamental security weakness in input validation and query construction processes. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database operations by injecting malicious SQL commands through the User-Agent HTTP header, which is typically used by web browsers to identify themselves to servers. This attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages a standard HTTP header that applications commonly process without adequate sanitization, making it an accessible entry point for attackers seeking to compromise the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. When the shopping cart processes requests to index.php and product-list.php endpoints, it directly uses the User-Agent header value in database queries without appropriate input validation or parameterization. This creates an environment where an attacker can craft a malicious User-Agent string containing SQL injection payloads that will be executed by the database engine. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as SQL injection, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws in the industry. The attack can be executed without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized individuals to perform arbitrary database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or modification. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to extract sensitive customer information including personal details, credit card data, and purchase histories, potentially leading to identity theft and financial fraud. The vulnerability also allows for data manipulation and deletion, which could result in complete compromise of the e-commerce platform's integrity and availability. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges within the database, gain access to administrative functions, or even use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The implications are particularly severe for e-commerce platforms where customer data security is paramount and regulatory compliance requirements such as pci dss are mandatory. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the owasp top ten, specifically targeting the injection flaw category that consistently ranks among the most critical web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4147 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and implementation of proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations using affected versions of Avactis Shopping Cart should upgrade to patched versions immediately, as the vulnerability affects an older product that likely lacks ongoing security support. The recommended approach involves implementing parameterized queries or prepared statements to ensure that user input is never directly incorporated into SQL commands. Additionally, input sanitization should be applied to all HTTP headers, including User-Agent, to remove or escape potentially malicious characters. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual User-Agent patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should verify that all input vectors are properly protected. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards like those defined in the iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.