CVE-2020-15079 in PrestaShop
Summary
by MITRE
In PrestaShop from version 1.5.0.0 and before version 1.7.6.6, there is improper access control in Carrier page, Module Manager and Module Positions. The problem is fixed in version 1.7.6.6
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15079 affects PrestaShop e-commerce platforms across multiple versions, specifically impacting those from 1.5.0.0 through 1.7.6.5. This issue represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of online retail systems. The vulnerability manifests in three key administrative sections of the platform including the Carrier page, Module Manager, and Module Positions functionality. These components serve as critical interfaces for managing shipping methods, third-party extensions, and layout configurations respectively. The improper access control mechanism allows unauthorized users to gain access to administrative functions that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and could enable malicious actors to manipulate core platform configurations.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate authorization checks within the PrestaShop administrative interface. When users interact with the Carrier page, Module Manager, or Module Positions sections, the system fails to properly validate user permissions before granting access to sensitive operations. This allows attackers who have gained any level of access to the platform to escalate their privileges and perform actions such as modifying shipping carriers, installing or uninstalling modules, or repositioning module displays. The vulnerability creates a path for privilege escalation attacks that can ultimately lead to complete system compromise. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in authorization mechanisms where proper access controls are not enforced. The flaw can be exploited through various attack vectors including credential theft, session hijacking, or other initial compromise methods that allow attackers to reach the administrative interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-15079 extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it enables attackers to fundamentally alter the operational integrity of affected e-commerce platforms. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could install malicious modules that steal customer data, modify shipping configurations to redirect orders, or completely compromise the platform's functionality. This represents a significant threat to business continuity and customer trust, as the attacker could potentially disrupt commerce operations or extract sensitive information from the platform. The implications are particularly severe given that PrestaShop is widely used by small to medium enterprises, making this vulnerability attractive to threat actors targeting retail operations. Organizations using affected versions face potential regulatory compliance issues, as unauthorized modifications to e-commerce systems can violate data protection standards such as GDPR or PCI DSS requirements. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1546 for persistence mechanisms, as attackers can leverage compromised accounts to establish lasting access to administrative functions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to PrestaShop version 1.7.6.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper access control issues. System administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their platforms to identify any potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could have been used to install backdoors or exfiltrate data. Additional mitigations include implementing robust session management controls, enforcing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and monitoring administrative access logs for suspicious activities. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces and implement web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper authorization checks that validate user permissions before granting access to sensitive administrative functions, thereby restoring the intended security boundaries within the platform's architecture.