CVE-2011-4547 in Zen Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in includes/templates/template_default/common/tpl_header_test_info.php in Zen Cart 1.3.9h, when debugging is enabled, might allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) main_page parameter or (2) PATH_INFO, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-4567.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4547 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Zen Cart version 1.3.9h, specifically within the template file tpl_header_test_info.php. This vulnerability emerges when the debugging functionality is enabled, creating a dangerous condition that exposes the e-commerce platform to remote code injection attacks. The flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the web application through either the main_page parameter or the PATH_INFO variable, making it particularly dangerous due to its multiple entry points.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the Zen Cart framework's debugging mode. When debugging is enabled, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into the dynamic HTML output. This creates a classic XSS vulnerability where attacker-controlled data flows directly into the browser context without proper encoding or filtering mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize input, which allows malicious scripts to execute in the context of the victim's browser session. The specific implementation flaw occurs in the template processing layer where the debug information is displayed, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4547 extends far beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from authenticated user sessions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal sensitive customer information, manipulate transactions, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability's presence in the header template file means that any user interacting with the debug-enabled application could be exposed to these attacks, potentially affecting all customers and administrators who have access to the vulnerable system. The fact that this vulnerability operates through PATH_INFO indicates that it can be exploited through URL manipulation techniques, making it accessible even in environments where standard parameter validation might be in place.
Organizations using Zen Cart 1.3.9h with debugging enabled face significant security risks that align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability can be exploited through web-based attack vectors that leverage the application's trust in user input, enabling persistent malicious activities. The remediation strategy should prioritize immediate disabling of debugging functionality in production environments, followed by comprehensive input validation implementation across all user-supplied parameters. Security patches should include proper HTML encoding of all dynamic content in debug output and implementation of Content Security Policy headers to mitigate potential exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, as this flaw demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in all application layers. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the dangers associated with debug modes in production environments and the necessity of implementing robust security controls even in development configurations.