CVE-2015-9226 in AlegroCart
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in AlegroCart 1.2.8 allow remote administrators to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the download parameter in the (1) check_download and possibly (2) check_filename function in upload/admin2/model/products/model_admin_download.php or remote authenticated users with a valid Paypal transaction token to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ref parameter in the (3) orderUpdate function in upload/catalog/extension/payment/paypal.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2015-9226 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting AlegroCart version 1.2.8, a popular e-commerce platform that exposes multiple attack vectors through its administrative and payment processing components. This vulnerability specifically targets the platform's handling of user-supplied input within database queries, creating opportunities for attackers to execute malicious SQL commands and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system data. The flaw exists in two primary locations within the application's codebase, with one vector affecting the download functionality and another impacting the payment processing module.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's database interaction layers. In the first attack vector, the check_download function in upload/admin2/model/products/model_admin_download.php fails to properly escape or parameterize the download parameter, allowing malicious input to be directly incorporated into SQL queries. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-89 SQL Injection according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses the improper handling of user-controllable input in database queries. The second vector operates through the check_filename function, which similarly lacks proper input sanitization, creating identical attack opportunities for remote administrators who can manipulate the download parameter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands within the database context of the affected application. Remote authenticated users with valid PayPal transaction tokens can exploit the third vector in the orderUpdate function within upload/catalog/extension/payment/paypal.php, where the ref parameter is not properly validated before being incorporated into database operations. This creates a significant risk for e-commerce environments where payment processing data is involved, as attackers could potentially access sensitive customer information, modify transaction records, or even escalate privileges within the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects both administrative functions and payment processing components, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the entire e-commerce infrastructure.
The exploitation of these vulnerabilities aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol manipulation, where attackers leverage injection flaws to manipulate application behavior. The vulnerability also maps to the T1046 technique for network service scanning, as attackers would need to identify the specific entry points within the application's file structure to exploit these flaws. Organizations using AlegroCart 1.2.8 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper access controls to prevent unauthorized exploitation. The recommended remediation approach involves implementing proper input sanitization techniques, utilizing prepared statements for all database interactions, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of database access patterns should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.