CVE-2018-18964 in osCommerce
Summary
by MITRE
osCommerce 2.3.4.1 has an incomplete '.htaccess' for blacklist filtering in the "product" page. The .htaccess file in catalog/images/ bans the html extension, but there are several extensions in which contained HTML can be executed, such as the svg extension.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18964 resides within the osCommerce 2.3.4.1 e-commerce platform and represents a critical security flaw in the web application's access control mechanisms. This issue specifically targets the incomplete implementation of blacklist filtering within the .htaccess configuration file located in the catalog/images/ directory. The weakness stems from an overly restrictive approach to file extension filtering that fails to account for all potential vectors of code execution within web applications. The incomplete blacklist implementation creates a security gap that allows malicious actors to bypass intended restrictions and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper configuration of the .htaccess file which only blocks the html extension while leaving other potentially dangerous file extensions unfiltered. This oversight creates a pathway for attackers to upload malicious files with extensions such as svg that can contain embedded javascript code or other executable content. The svg extension particularly represents a significant risk because it allows for the inclusion of javascript within image files, enabling cross-site scripting attacks and potentially remote code execution scenarios. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-15 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in anti-escaping mechanisms, specifically in the context of access control and file filtering mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple access control bypass to encompass potential full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious svg files containing embedded javascript that can execute in the context of the victim's browser, leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the web application. The vulnerability affects the product page functionality of osCommerce installations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise e-commerce platforms that rely on this software. The issue demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's defense-in-depth strategy, where a single point of failure in access control can undermine the entire security posture.
Organizations utilizing osCommerce 2.3.4.1 should implement immediate mitigations including the comprehensive revision of .htaccess files to include complete blacklist filtering for all potentially dangerous file extensions. The mitigation strategy should encompass blocking not only html and svg extensions but also other potentially hazardous formats such as php, js, asp, and other scripting languages that could execute code within the web server context. Security teams should also consider implementing additional layers of protection including web application firewalls, file type validation at the application level, and regular security audits of configuration files. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles for defensive measures, particularly in the area of privilege escalation and command and control through web-based attack vectors. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that all potentially dangerous file extensions are properly blocked while maintaining legitimate functionality of the e-commerce platform.