CVE-2011-4713 in osCSS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in catalog/content.php in osCSS2 2.1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the _ID parameter to (1) catalog/shopping_cart.php or (2) catalog/content.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The CVE-2011-4713 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting osCSS2 version 2.1.0 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability specifically targets the catalog/content.php component within the osCommerce e-commerce platform, creating a pathway for remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server through manipulation of the _ID parameter. The flaw exists in both catalog/shopping_cart.php and catalog/content.php scripts, demonstrating the widespread nature of the vulnerability across multiple entry points within the application's catalog module.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the improper validation of user-supplied input within the _ID parameter. When attackers craft malicious requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences in the parameter value, the application fails to adequately sanitize or validate these inputs before processing them. This allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain protected, potentially including sensitive system files, configuration data, or database credentials. The vulnerability operates at the input validation and output encoding level, with CWE-22 identifying it as a classic path traversal attack vector that violates proper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4713 extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to potentially escalate privileges and gain deeper system access. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of malicious code. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations running affected osCommerce installations face significant risk of data breaches, as the vulnerability could expose sensitive customer information, business logic, or system configurations that are typically protected by proper file system permissions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and parameter sanitization within the affected applications. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input filtering that rejects or encodes any sequences containing .. or similar directory traversal patterns. Organizations should also apply the vendor-provided patches or upgrade to osCommerce versions that have addressed this vulnerability. From a defensive standpoint, implementing web application firewalls with content filtering capabilities can help detect and block malicious traversal attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments), as it enables attackers to discover and potentially exploit sensitive files within the target environment. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and input validation practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.