CVE-2021-20734 in e-Commerce
Summary
by MITRE • 06/22/2021
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in Welcart e-Commerce versions prior to 2.2.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2025
The CVE-2021-20734 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Welcart e-Commerce platform affecting versions prior to 2.2.4. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where untrusted data is improperly integrated into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw exists in the platform's handling of user input and output sanitization mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary scripts or HTML content into web pages. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in e-commerce environments where user interactions and data processing are frequent, as they can compromise user sessions and steal sensitive information.
The technical execution of this XSS vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors within the Welcart e-Commerce system, suggesting that the flaw may exist across multiple input points or user interaction surfaces. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view affected pages. This typically involves manipulating parameters, form inputs, or URL components that are not properly validated or escaped before being rendered in web responses. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core e-commerce functionality, potentially compromising customer data, session tokens, and business-critical information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to both businesses and end-users within the Welcart e-Commerce ecosystem. Attackers could exploit this flaw to hijack user sessions, steal login credentials, or redirect users to malicious websites. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers can manipulate the shopping experience, alter product information, or inject fraudulent content that could damage brand reputation and customer trust. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on use of unauthorized system features, and T1203 which involves exploitation of remote services through web applications. Organizations running affected versions face potential regulatory compliance issues, as data protection standards such as gdpr and pci dss require proper input validation and output encoding to prevent such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-20734 must prioritize immediate upgrade to Welcart e-Commerce version 2.2.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches and security improvements. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all user-facing interfaces, following secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that the XSS vulnerability has been effectively addressed without introducing new security issues or breaking existing functionality. Security teams must also establish monitoring procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.