CVE-2016-4862 in CS-Cart
Summary
by MITRE
Twigmo bundled with CS-Cart 4.3.9 and earlier and Twigmo bundled with CS-Cart Multi-Vendor 4.3.9 and earlier allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code on the servers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4862 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Twigmo components distributed with CS-Cart and CS-Cart Multi-Vendor versions up to 4.3.9. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Twigmo templating system, which is integrated into these e-commerce platforms. The vulnerability exists in the way the system processes user-supplied data within template files, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on affected servers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of template variables and user input within the Twigmo framework. When authenticated users submit data through specific interface elements or API endpoints, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it within the template context. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that bypass normal security controls and execute PHP code directly on the web server. The flaw specifically manifests when template parameters are processed without adequate security checks, enabling code injection attacks that can escalate to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption. Remote authenticated attackers with valid user credentials can leverage this flaw to gain complete control over affected servers, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive customer information. The vulnerability affects e-commerce platforms that handle payment information, personal customer data, and business-critical operations, making the potential damage substantial. Organizations running affected versions face risks including unauthorized data access, service availability compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to compromised customer data.
Security mitigations for CVE-2016-4862 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of CS-Cart and CS-Cart Multi-Vendor. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual code execution patterns and unauthorized template modifications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," though the specific implementation involves PHP code execution rather than PowerShell. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.