CVE-2020-26252 in OpenMage
Summary
by MITRE • 01/21/2021
OpenMage is a community-driven alternative to Magento CE. In OpenMage before versions 19.4.10 and 20.0.6, there is a vulnerability which enables remote code execution. In affected versions an administrator with permission to update product data to be able to store an executable file on the server and load it via layout xml. The latest OpenMage Versions up from 19.4.10 and 20.0.6 have this issue solved.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-26252 affects OpenMage, a community-driven fork of the Magento Commerce Edition that serves as an open-source e-commerce platform. This security flaw represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability that fundamentally compromises the integrity of affected systems. The vulnerability exists within the product data update functionality and demonstrates how seemingly routine administrative operations can be exploited to gain full system control. The flaw specifically impacts versions prior to 19.4.10 and 20.0.6, making these releases particularly dangerous for organizations that have not applied the necessary security patches.
The technical exploitation mechanism revolves around the improper handling of product data updates within the OpenMage platform's layout XML processing system. An authenticated administrator with sufficient privileges to modify product information can leverage this vulnerability to upload and subsequently execute arbitrary code on the target server. This occurs because the platform fails to adequately validate and sanitize file uploads within the product data management interface, allowing malicious payloads to be stored and later loaded through the layout XML processing pipeline. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor through which attackers can execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw can establish persistent access to affected systems, potentially using the compromised platform as a launching point for further attacks within the organization's network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the server or direct network connectivity to the target system. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple systems are connected through shared infrastructure or where the e-commerce platform serves as a critical business component. The attack vector through layout XML processing also means that the vulnerability could be exploited through various legitimate administrative interfaces, making detection more challenging.
Organizations should immediately implement the security patches released by OpenMage in versions 19.4.10 and 20.0.6 to address this vulnerability. The remediation process involves upgrading the platform to the patched versions, which include proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for file uploads within the product data management system. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security audits of their existing installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement network monitoring to detect unusual file upload activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, as administrative access should not be sufficient to achieve remote code execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can leverage legitimate administrative accounts to execute malicious code through the vulnerable platform.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices in e-commerce platforms and the critical need for regular security updates. The flaw demonstrates how the combination of insufficient input validation and privileged user access can create dangerous attack surfaces that are difficult to detect and remediate. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes that include regular security assessments of their e-commerce platforms, particularly those based on open-source frameworks that may not receive the same level of security scrutiny as commercial products. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such attacks, ensuring that even if one component is compromised, the broader system remains protected.