CVE-2012-4934 in TomatoCart
Summary
by MITRE
TomatoCart 1.1.7, when the PayPal Express Checkout module is enabled in sandbox mode, allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended payment requirements by modifying a certain redirection URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4934 affects TomatoCart version 1.1.7 and specifically targets the PayPal Express Checkout module when operating in sandbox mode. This represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the intended security controls of the e-commerce platform. The issue stems from improper validation of redirection URLs within the payment processing workflow, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent payment requirements that should be enforced during transaction completion.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of redirection URLs that are used to guide users through the PayPal payment process. When the PayPal Express Checkout module operates in sandbox mode, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the redirection parameters that are passed between the TomatoCart platform and PayPal's payment gateway. This validation failure allows authenticated users to modify the URL parameters that control the payment flow, effectively enabling them to skip required payment steps and complete transactions without proper payment verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple payment bypass to encompass potential financial loss and unauthorized transaction processing. Attackers can exploit this flaw to process orders without actual payment, creating fraudulent transactions that may go undetected until post-transaction review. The sandbox mode environment, which should provide a safe testing ground for payment workflows, becomes a vector for exploitation that could potentially be extended to production environments if similar vulnerabilities exist. This vulnerability particularly affects e-commerce platforms that rely on third-party payment processors and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in payment processing workflows.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a classic example of how authentication bypasses can occur through parameter manipulation. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts usage, as the attack requires only authenticated access to manipulate payment flows rather than attempting to gain initial access. Organizations should implement proper URL parameter validation, enforce strict input sanitization, and ensure that payment processing workflows maintain integrity checks that prevent unauthorized parameter modification. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of comprehensive testing of payment modules, particularly in sandbox environments where security controls may be perceived as less critical. Immediate patching of affected systems is essential, as this type of authorization bypass can lead to significant financial losses and compromise the integrity of e-commerce transactions.