CVE-2015-6928 in CubeCart
Summary
by MITRE
classes/admin.class.php in CubeCart 5.2.12 through 5.2.16 and 6.x before 6.0.7 does not properly validate that a password reset request was made, which allows remote attackers to change the administrator password via a recovery request with a space character in the validate parameter and the administrator email in the email parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-6928 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the CubeCart e-commerce platform administration interface. This issue affects versions 5.2.12 through 5.2.16 and all 6.x versions prior to 6.0.7, creating a significant security risk for administrators who rely on the platform's password recovery mechanism. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation in the classes/admin.class.php file, which governs administrative authentication processes and password reset functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a weakness in parameter validation where the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the validate parameter during password recovery requests. Attackers can manipulate the recovery process by inserting a space character into the validate parameter while simultaneously providing a legitimate administrator email address in the email parameter. This specific input manipulation allows unauthorized individuals to bypass the normal authentication requirements typically necessary to reset administrator passwords, effectively granting them administrative access to the affected system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations using affected CubeCart versions, as it enables remote attackers to assume administrative privileges without proper authentication. The attack vector requires only remote access to the web application, making it particularly dangerous for online businesses that rely on CubeCart for their e-commerce operations. Once exploited, attackers can modify critical system settings, access sensitive customer data, manipulate product catalogs, and potentially compromise the entire web application infrastructure. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the platform, as it allows unauthorized access to administrative functions that should be restricted to legitimate users only.
The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for credential access through password reuse or bypass methods. Organizations should immediately implement the recommended mitigation strategies, including upgrading to CubeCart versions 5.2.17 and 6.0.7 or later, where the validation has been properly implemented. Additionally, administrators should review and strengthen their overall security posture by implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication, monitoring for unusual password reset activities, and ensuring proper network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and validation in web applications, particularly in authentication mechanisms where failure to validate user inputs can lead to complete system compromise.