CVE-2018-7491 in PrestaShop
Summary
by MITRE
In PrestaShop through 1.7.2.5, a UI-Redressing/Clickjacking vulnerability was found that might lead to state-changing impact in the context of a user or an admin, because the generateHtaccess function in classes/Tools.php sets neither X-Frame-Options nor 'Content-Security-Policy "frame-ancestors' values.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7491 represents a critical UI-redressing or clickjacking weakness within PrestaShop versions up to 1.7.2.5. This flaw resides in the core framework's security headers implementation, specifically within the generateHtaccess function located in the classes/Tools.php file. The absence of proper security headers creates an environment where malicious actors can exploit user interactions to perform unauthorized actions. The vulnerability operates by manipulating the browser's rendering context to overlay deceptive interfaces over legitimate application elements, effectively tricking users into performing unintended operations while believing they are interacting with the genuine interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of essential HTTP security headers that should be present in web applications to prevent frame-based attacks. When the generateHtaccess function fails to set either the X-Frame-Options header or the Content-Security-Policy header with frame-ancestors directive, it leaves the application susceptible to clickjacking attacks. This weakness allows attackers to embed the PrestaShop application within an iframe on a malicious website, where they can overlay transparent or opaque elements to capture user clicks and interactions. The impact extends beyond simple phishing attempts as the vulnerability can be exploited by administrators, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications of the e-commerce platform's configuration and data.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, particularly given PrestaShop's widespread adoption among online retailers and e-commerce platforms. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform state-changing operations that directly affect the application's functionality and data integrity. Administrative users who are tricked into clicking on malicious elements within the embedded interface could unknowingly execute commands such as modifying product catalogs, changing user permissions, or altering payment configurations. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-1021, which specifically addresses "Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1056.001 for Input Injection, as the attack vector involves manipulating user interface elements to achieve unauthorized actions. The risk is amplified because the vulnerability affects the core framework rather than individual modules, meaning that all PrestaShop installations within the affected version range are potentially compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7491 require immediate implementation of proper HTTP security headers across all PrestaShop installations. The recommended approach involves modifying the generateHtaccess function to include either the X-Frame-Options header with the value "DENY" or "SAMEORIGIN," or implementing the Content-Security-Policy header with the directive "frame-ancestors 'self'". Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as Content-Security-Policy with frame-ancestors directives that explicitly define which domains are permitted to embed the application. Regular security audits and monitoring of web application headers should be conducted to ensure compliance with security best practices. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to PrestaShop version 1.7.3.0 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper security header implementation. Security teams should also implement automated scanning tools to detect missing security headers and establish policies for regular security header validation to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.