CVE-2012-5330 in asaanCart
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in asaanCart 0.9 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) PATH_INFO to calc.php, (2) chat.php, (3) register.php, or (4) index.php in libs/smarty_ajax/; or the (5) page parameter to libs/smarty_ajax/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The CVE-2012-5330 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting asaanCart version 0.9, a web-based e-commerce platform that was widely used in the early 2010s. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input within several key PHP scripts, creating multiple attack vectors that could be exploited by remote threat actors. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's template engine component located in the libs/smarty_ajax/ directory, which processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization or validation, thereby creating persistent security risks for web applications that rely on this platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding practices within the affected PHP scripts. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability through five distinct pathways, each targeting different entry points in the application's codebase. The primary attack vectors include manipulation of the PATH_INFO parameter when accessing calc.php, direct injection into chat.php, register.php, and index.php files within the libs/smarty_ajax/ directory, as well as exploitation of the page parameter within libs/smarty_ajax/index.php. These entry points demonstrate a systemic flaw in the application's security architecture where user input is directly incorporated into web responses without proper sanitization, creating conditions where malicious scripts can be executed within the context of legitimate user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to establish persistent footholds within the application environment. Through XSS exploitation, adversaries can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's presence in core application components like registration and chat functionality makes it particularly dangerous, as these areas typically handle sensitive user information and facilitate user interactions. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that occur when applications fail to properly validate or escape user input before incorporating it into web responses. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that multiple entry points exist, increasing the probability of successful exploitation and providing attackers with alternative attack paths if one vector is blocked.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5330 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected asaanCart version, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-facing application components, particularly within template processing systems. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded and executed. From a defensive standpoint, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input sanitization as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks, specifically addressing the persistent threat of cross-site scripting. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can also provide an additional layer of defense, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level remediation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security testing procedures to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in production environments. Organizations utilizing legacy e-commerce platforms should conduct thorough security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities that may exist in older software versions and implement proper security controls to protect against advanced persistent threats.