CVE-2018-8824 in Responsive Mega Menu Pro Module
Summary
by MITRE
modules/bamegamenu/ajax_phpcode.php in the Responsive Mega Menu (Horizontal+Vertical+Dropdown) Pro module 1.0.32 for PrestaShop 1.5.5.0 through 1.7.2.5 allows remote attackers to execute a SQL Injection through function calls in the code parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8824 resides within the Responsive Mega Menu (Horizontal+Vertical+Dropdown) Pro module for PrestaShop, specifically in the modules/bamegamenu/ajax_phpcode.php file. This module version 1.0.32 affects PrestaShop installations ranging from version 1.5.5.0 through 1.7.2.5, creating a widespread attack surface across multiple versions of the e-commerce platform. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's database through carefully crafted SQL injection payloads, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the code parameter handling mechanism. When the ajax_phpcode.php script processes function calls through the code parameter, it fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands that bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a classic example of insecure data handling practices in web applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform operations such as data extraction, modification, or deletion from the underlying database system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over affected PrestaShop installations. Remote execution of SQL injection attacks means that threat actors can operate without requiring physical access to the server, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in cloud-based and hosted environments. The attack surface includes not only customer data but also sensitive business information, user credentials, and potentially payment details stored within the PrestaShop database. This vulnerability can facilitate broader attacks including credential theft, session hijacking, and data exfiltration that could result in significant financial and reputational damage to affected organizations. The impact is further amplified by the fact that PrestaShop is widely used across e-commerce platforms, making this vulnerability attractive to attackers seeking scalable exploitation opportunities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8824 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected module version, with administrators upgrading to the latest available version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout their applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious SQL injection patterns. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews focusing on database interaction points and ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized before processing. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability falls under the technique of Exploit Public-Facing Application, while the specific execution method aligns with T1071.005 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the application architecture.