CVE-2018-5682 in PrestaShop
Summary
by MITRE
PrestaShop 1.7.2.4 allow user enumeration via the Reset Password feature, by noticing which reset attempts do not produce a "This account does not exist" error message.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5682 resides within PrestaShop version 1.7.2.4, specifically within the password reset functionality that enables unauthorized user enumeration. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that allows attackers to determine the existence of specific user accounts within the system through subtle differences in error messaging. The vulnerability stems from the application's inconsistent response handling during password reset attempts, where successful account verification produces different error responses compared to invalid account attempts, thereby leaking information about account existence to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the password reset mechanism's lack of consistent error handling across different account states. When a user attempts to reset a password for an account that exists, the system provides a response indicating that a reset email has been sent, while attempts to reset passwords for non-existent accounts result in a clear "This account does not exist" message. This differential response behavior creates a timing attack surface that enables attackers to systematically test account existence by observing the different responses, effectively enumerating valid user accounts within the system without requiring authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user enumeration as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of the e-commerce platform. Attackers can leverage this information to conduct targeted attacks such as credential stuffing, where known valid email addresses can be used to test compromised passwords from other breaches, or to focus phishing campaigns on verified users. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege by exposing account existence information that should remain confidential. This weakness also supports various attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and reconnaissance techniques.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe for e-commerce platforms that rely on customer account management, as it provides attackers with a foundational element for more sophisticated attacks. The enumeration capability enables threat actors to build comprehensive user directories that can be used for social engineering, targeted attacks, or to prioritize their efforts in credential-based attacks. Organizations using PrestaShop versions prior to the patched release face increased risk of account takeover attempts and data breaches, as this vulnerability effectively removes the security boundary that should exist between legitimate and malicious users attempting to access account information. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of consistent error handling in security-sensitive applications and underscores the need for proper input validation and response normalization to prevent information leakage through side-channel attacks.