CVE-2020-26248 in productcomments
Summary
by MITRE • 12/04/2020
In the PrestaShop module "productcomments" before version 4.2.1, an attacker can use a Blind SQL injection to retrieve data or stop the MySQL service. The problem is fixed in 4.2.1 of the module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-26248 affects the PrestaShop productcomments module, a widely used component in e-commerce platforms that allows customers to leave reviews and ratings for products. This module serves as a critical user engagement feature but became susceptible to a dangerous blind sql injection flaw that could be exploited by remote attackers without authentication. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 4.2.1 and represents a significant security risk for online retailers relying on this functionality.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation within the module's handling of user comments and review data. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit the lack of proper sanitization in database query construction, enabling them to execute blind sql injection attacks against the underlying mysql database. This vulnerability operates in a blind mode where the attacker cannot directly see the database results but can infer information through response timing variations or by crafting specific queries that cause the database to behave differently. The injection occurs during the processing of comment data submitted by users, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal user interactions with the website.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers can potentially cause service disruption by executing commands that stop mysql services or consume excessive system resources. This creates a dual threat scenario where attackers can both extract sensitive information from the database and potentially cause denial of service conditions that affect the entire e-commerce platform. The vulnerability affects not just the data stored in the productcomments module but could potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges and access other parts of the database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that product comment systems are frequently used by customers and often contain personal information, product details, and potentially sensitive business data.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the attack chain described in the mitre attack framework, where initial access through web application vulnerabilities can lead to data exfiltration and system compromise. The flaw aligns with common weakness enumeration cwes such as cwe-89 sql injection and cwe-94 code injection, representing a classic example of how user input validation failures can create dangerous attack vectors. Organizations using affected versions should immediately upgrade to module version 4.2.1 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and parameterized queries to prevent sql injection. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious sql patterns, and conducting regular security audits of third-party modules to ensure they meet current security standards.