CVE-2014-8306 in Cart Engine
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the sql_query function in cart.php in C97net Cart Engine before 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the item_id variable, as demonstrated by the (1) item_id[0] or (2) item_id[] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The CVE-2014-8306 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the C97net Cart Engine version 3.9 and earlier, specifically targeting the sql_query function within the cart.php script. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the item_id parameter. The flaw specifically affects the cart.php file where the sql_query function processes user input without proper escaping or parameterization, enabling malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the item_id variable which is directly incorporated into sql queries without adequate sanitization. Attackers can leverage this by crafting malicious payloads using the item_id[0] or item_id[] parameter formats, allowing them to bypass normal database access controls and execute unauthorized sql operations. The vulnerability stems from a classic lack of input validation and proper sql query construction practices, where user-supplied data flows directly into database commands without appropriate filtering or escaping mechanisms. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, manipulate inventory records, modify pricing information, and execute destructive database operations. Remote attackers could extract confidential information such as customer personal details, payment information, and order histories, while also being able to modify or delete critical business data. The vulnerability enables privilege escalation and persistence within the application environment, as attackers can potentially create new administrative accounts or modify existing user permissions. This represents a significant threat to business continuity and data integrity, particularly in e-commerce environments where customer trust and regulatory compliance are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase. Organizations should immediately upgrade to C97net Cart Engine version 4.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this sql injection vulnerability. Additionally, developers should implement strict input validation for all user-supplied parameters, employ prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent sql injection, and establish proper output encoding for database results. Security measures should include input sanitization routines, regular code reviews focusing on database query construction, and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of all database interactions to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the application, aligning with defense-in-depth principles recommended by cybersecurity frameworks such as those outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework for application layer attacks.