CVE-2017-15673 in CS-Cart
Summary
by MITRE
The files function in the administration section in CS-Cart 4.6.2 and earlier allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via vectors involving a custom page.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15673 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the CS-Cart e-commerce platform version 4.6.2 and earlier. This issue resides in the administration section's files function, specifically within the custom page handling mechanism that allows unauthorized users to upload and execute malicious PHP code on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the administrative file management components, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls and gain arbitrary code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the file upload and processing mechanisms that are accessible through the administrative interface. When administrators create or modify custom pages, the system processes uploaded files without adequate validation of file types or content, allowing attackers to upload malicious PHP scripts that can be executed within the web server context. This represents a classic insecure file upload vulnerability that enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors or execute commands on the target system. The flaw operates at the application level and can be exploited through web-based attacks targeting the administrative interface, making it particularly dangerous for e-commerce platforms that require administrative access for routine operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected CS-Cart installation. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and full server control. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but can also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, particularly in environments where the e-commerce platform shares resources with other critical systems. Organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risks including customer data theft, payment card information compromise, and potential regulatory violations under data protection regulations such as gdpr and pci dss.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15673 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected CS-Cart versions to the latest available releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level controls including firewall rules that restrict access to administrative interfaces to trusted IP addresses only, and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious file upload activities. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file type validation and content scanning for all uploaded files, disabling unnecessary administrative functions, and conducting regular security audits of the application's file handling mechanisms. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploit public-facing application, emphasizing the need for proper application security controls and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent such critical security incidents.