CVE-2020-9009 in Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2023
The ShipStation.com plugin 1.1 and earlier for CS-Cart allows remote attackers to insert arbitrary information into the database (via action=shipnotify) because access to this endpoint is completely unchecked. The attacker must guess an order number.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9009 affects the ShipStation.com plugin version 1.1 and earlier integrated with CS-Cart e-commerce platforms. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate database content through an unauthenticated endpoint. The vulnerability specifically exists within the action=shipnotify functionality which lacks any form of access control or authentication verification. The flaw allows for arbitrary data insertion into the database, potentially compromising the integrity of shipment tracking information and related order data. Security researchers have classified this as a database injection vulnerability that could be exploited to manipulate order fulfillment processes and customer data within the e-commerce ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. The action=shipnotify endpoint operates without any authentication checks, authorization verification, or rate limiting controls that would normally protect against unauthorized database modifications. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious requests to the endpoint, potentially inserting false shipment tracking information, modifying order statuses, or injecting malicious data into the database. The requirement for attackers to guess order numbers adds a layer of complexity but does not sufficiently mitigate the risk, as order number prediction or enumeration techniques can be employed to bypass this restriction. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which describes improper access control issues in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-9009 extends beyond simple data corruption to encompass potential financial fraud, customer data compromise, and disruption of legitimate business operations. Attackers could manipulate shipment tracking data to deceive customers about order status, potentially facilitating return fraud or unauthorized refunds. The database modification capabilities could also be used to insert malicious payloads or create backdoors within the e-commerce system. This vulnerability directly impacts the trust relationship between businesses and their customers, as shipment tracking information becomes unreliable and potentially misleading. Organizations using affected plugin versions face increased risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability also presents opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges or move laterally within the system through the compromised database access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9009 require immediate implementation of authentication controls and access restrictions for the shipnotify endpoint. System administrators should upgrade to the latest plugin version where access controls have been properly implemented and validated. Network-level protections including firewall rules, API rate limiting, and endpoint monitoring should be deployed to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. The implementation of proper input validation, parameterized queries, and authentication mechanisms at the application layer provides essential protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of all third-party plugins and extensions to identify potential access control gaps. Regular security audits and penetration testing help ensure that authentication mechanisms remain effective against evolving attack techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and maintaining up-to-date security controls as outlined in industry best practices and security frameworks.