CVE-2018-11495 in OpenCart
Summary
by MITRE
OpenCart through 3.0.2.0 allows directory traversal in the editDownload function in admin\model\catalog\download.php via admin/index.php?route=catalog/download/edit, related to the download_id. For example, an attacker can download ../../config.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11495 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the OpenCart e-commerce platform version 3.0.2.0 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the administrative functionality of the system, specifically within the editDownload function located in the admin model component. The flaw enables authenticated attackers with administrative privileges to manipulate file paths and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into file system operations without proper authorization checks. This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to read sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and potentially system files that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass normal access controls and retrieve confidential information that should remain protected within the application's restricted directories. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrative access, which is often more limited than full system access, making it a valuable vector for privilege escalation attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) techniques, as it enables attackers to discover and extract sensitive data from the target system.
Successful exploitation of CVE-2018-11495 requires an attacker to first obtain administrative credentials through various means such as credential theft, social engineering, or other initial compromise techniques. Once administrative access is achieved, the attacker can leverage the directory traversal vulnerability by manipulating the parameters passed to the editDownload function, allowing them to traverse the file system and access files outside the intended directories. The vulnerability affects all versions of OpenCart up to and including 3.0.2.0, making it a widespread concern for organizations running these older versions. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability is particularly prevalent in web applications that fail to implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, especially in administrative interfaces where elevated privileges are already granted. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest OpenCart versions, implementing proper input validation, and restricting administrative access to only trusted users. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts and provide early warning of compromise.