CVE-2020-5271 in PrestaShop
Summary
by MITRE
In PrestaShop between versions 1.6.0.0 and 1.7.6.5, there is a reflected XSS with `date_from` and `date_to` parameters in the dashboard page This problem is fixed in 1.7.6.5
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2020-5271 represents a reflected cross-site scripting weakness in PrestaShop e-commerce platform versions 1.6.0.0 through 1.7.6.5. This security flaw exists within the dashboard page functionality where user-supplied input parameters date_from and date_to are not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that malicious actors can craft specially crafted URLs containing malicious script code that gets executed when victims navigate to the affected page with these parameters. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically addressing cross-site scripting attacks. This issue directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code in victim browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when PrestaShop processes the date_from and date_to parameters without adequate input validation or output encoding. When users access the dashboard with these parameters containing script tags or other malicious payloads, the application fails to sanitize the input before displaying it in the web interface. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the context of the victim's browser session. The reflected nature indicates that the malicious payload must be delivered through external means such as email phishing, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns where victims are tricked into clicking malicious links. The vulnerability affects both the 1.6.x and 1.7.x branches of PrestaShop, highlighting a widespread issue across multiple versions of the platform's core dashboard functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user information, manipulate dashboard data, or redirect users to malicious websites. Since the dashboard typically contains administrative functions and user-specific data, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative panels or compromise user sessions. The vulnerability particularly affects businesses using PrestaShop for e-commerce operations where dashboard access is common among administrators and staff members. Given that PrestaShop powers numerous online stores globally, the potential for widespread impact exists, especially when administrators or employees are targeted through social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction with malicious links, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access the same administrative interface.
The fix implemented in version 1.7.6.5 addresses this vulnerability through proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. The security patch ensures that date_from and date_to parameters are validated and escaped before being rendered in the dashboard interface. Organizations should immediately upgrade to version 1.7.6.5 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the patch implements proper parameter validation and sanitization techniques. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls to provide defense-in-depth protection. Regular security audits and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom modules or extensions that may interact with dashboard functionality. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web application development, particularly in administrative interfaces where sensitive data and functionality reside. Organizations should also implement security awareness training for staff to recognize and avoid potentially malicious links that could exploit such vulnerabilities.