CVE-2019-9065 in PHP Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall Custom T-Shirt Ecommerce Script 3.1.1 allows parameter tampering of the payment amount.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9065 affects the PHP Scripts Mall Custom T-Shirt Ecommerce Script version 3.1.1, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of financial transactions within the e-commerce platform. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and parameter handling mechanisms that permit malicious actors to manipulate payment amounts during the checkout process. The vulnerability exists due to the script's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied parameters, particularly those related to transaction values, creating an avenue for unauthorized financial modification.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic case of parameter tampering where the payment amount parameter can be modified before being processed by the backend payment system. Attackers can exploit this weakness by intercepting or directly modifying the HTTP request parameters sent during the payment initiation phase, potentially altering the transaction amount from the intended value to a lower or higher amount. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category, which specifically addresses "Improper Input Validation," and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in transaction processing. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal payment validation controls, potentially resulting in financial loss for the merchant and unauthorized profit for the attacker.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple financial loss, as it compromises the entire transaction integrity framework of the e-commerce platform. Merchants operating with this vulnerable script face significant risk of revenue loss, potential legal implications due to fraudulent transactions, and damage to customer trust. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including man-in-the-middle attacks, session manipulation, or direct parameter modification in web forms. This weakness directly impacts the merchant's ability to maintain accurate financial records and can lead to disputes with payment processors who may question the legitimacy of transactions. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the core payment processing functionality, making it a high-priority target for cybercriminals seeking financial gain.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate and long-term remediation approaches to address the root cause of parameter tampering. The primary solution involves implementing robust input validation and parameter sanitization mechanisms that validate all transaction-related parameters against predefined acceptable ranges and formats. Developers must ensure that payment amounts are verified server-side against the original product pricing, with proper cryptographic signatures or checksums to prevent unauthorized modifications. Additionally, implementing proper session management and transaction logging can help detect and prevent such attacks by maintaining audit trails of all financial transactions. Organizations should also consider implementing real-time transaction monitoring systems that can flag suspicious payment amount variations and trigger automated alerts for security teams. The remediation efforts should align with industry best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and follow the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for web application vulnerabilities, particularly focusing on preventing data manipulation and ensuring transaction integrity. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls and identify any additional vulnerabilities that may exist within the payment processing pipeline.