CVE-2022-44727 in EU Cookie Law GDPR Module
Summary
by MITRE • 11/10/2022
The EU Cookie Law GDPR (Banner + Blocker) module before 2.1.3 for PrestaShop allows SQL Injection via a cookie ( lgcookieslaw or __lglaw ).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2022
The EU Cookie Law GDPR module for PrestaShop represents a critical security vulnerability that affects versions prior to 2.1.3, specifically targeting the application's handling of cookie data within its cookie law compliance functionality. This vulnerability manifests as a SQL injection attack vector that exploits the module's improper input validation mechanisms when processing cookies named lgcookieslaw or __lglaw. The flaw demonstrates a classic security oversight where user-controllable data enters the application's database interaction layer without adequate sanitization or parameterization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the module's failure to properly escape or parameterize cookie values when these are subsequently used in database queries. When users interact with the cookie law banner or blocker functionality, the module reads the lgcookieslaw or __lglaw cookie values and incorporates them directly into SQL statements without proper input validation or sanitization. This pattern directly aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a result of inadequate input handling in database operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning because cookies are routinely manipulated by users and can be easily modified through browser developer tools or automated scripts, making this a persistent threat vector that requires immediate remediation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information stored within the PrestaShop database. This includes personal customer data, session information, and potentially administrative credentials that might be stored in the database. The vulnerability's presence in a cookie law compliance module is particularly ironic since it undermines the very security measures that organizations implement to protect user privacy and data. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute commands such as data extraction, modification, or deletion of critical database records, potentially leading to complete system compromise and violation of GDPR compliance requirements. The attack chain typically involves crafting malicious cookie values that contain SQL payload sequences, which are then processed by the vulnerable module and executed against the database backend.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 2.1.3 or later, which addresses the improper input handling through proper parameterization and input sanitization of cookie values. Organizations should implement comprehensive cookie validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-controllable data before database interaction, following the principle of least privilege for database connections and implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers protocol manipulation, as it addresses the improper handling of data through application protocols. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with SQL injection detection capabilities and conducting regular security assessments of third-party modules can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into the system architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing database query logging and monitoring to detect anomalous SQL execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.