CVE-2023-22734 in Shopware
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2023
Shopware is an open source commerce platform based on Symfony Framework and Vue js. The newsletter double opt-in validation was not checked properly, and it was possible to skip the complete double opt in process. As a result operators may have inconsistencies in their newsletter systems. This problem has been fixed with version 6.4.18.1. Users are advised to upgrade. Users unable to upgrade may find security measures are available via a plugin for major versions 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3. Users may also disable newsletter registration completely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22734 affects Shopware, a popular open source commerce platform built on Symfony Framework and Vue.js technologies. This security flaw specifically targets the newsletter subscription mechanism within the platform's double opt-in validation process. The issue represents a critical weakness in the platform's user registration and email verification workflows that could potentially compromise the integrity of newsletter subscriber lists and undermine the security posture of e-commerce operations. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of the double opt-in process, which is a standard security mechanism designed to verify user identities and prevent unauthorized subscription to newsletter services. According to industry standards, this type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-347, which addresses improper verification of cryptographic signatures and weak validation mechanisms in security-critical processes. The problem manifests when the system fails to properly enforce the mandatory double opt-in validation, allowing malicious actors or system operators to bypass the verification step entirely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the Shopware platform's newsletter subscription handling code where the validation logic for double opt-in processes is improperly executed. This flaw enables attackers to create newsletter subscriptions without completing the required verification steps, effectively circumventing the security controls that should ensure only legitimate users can register for newsletters. The impact extends beyond simple user registration as it affects the entire newsletter management system's data integrity and operational consistency. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability creates potential attack vectors that could be exploited for spam distribution, data manipulation, or other malicious activities targeting the platform's email infrastructure. The flaw essentially undermines the fundamental security principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement within the platform's email subscription mechanisms. Organizations using Shopware versions prior to 6.4.18.1 face significant risks as this vulnerability could allow unauthorized individuals to manipulate newsletter subscriber data and potentially compromise the platform's overall security framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-22734 extends beyond immediate security concerns to affect business operations and customer data management practices within Shopware implementations. System operators may experience inconsistencies in their newsletter subscriber databases, leading to potential data quality issues, compliance violations, and operational inefficiencies. The vulnerability could result in unauthorized subscriptions being added to newsletter lists, potentially exposing the organization to spam filtering issues, deliverability problems, and regulatory compliance challenges. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain under the T1566.002 technique for Phishing with Spoofed Credentials, where attackers might exploit the compromised newsletter system to gain additional access or conduct social engineering campaigns. Organizations relying on Shopware for e-commerce operations must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability on their email marketing campaigns and customer relationship management systems. The inconsistency in newsletter systems could also affect marketing analytics, customer segmentation, and overall business intelligence derived from email engagement data, potentially leading to misinformed business decisions.
The recommended mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-22734 involves upgrading to Shopware version 6.4.18.1, which contains the necessary security patches to address the double opt-in validation flaw. This upgrade path represents the most effective solution as it resolves the underlying code implementation issues that enable the bypass of security controls. Organizations unable to perform immediate upgrades should consider implementing the security measures provided through plugins specifically designed for Shopware versions 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3, which offer temporary workarounds for the vulnerability. The plugin-based solutions represent a defensive measure that can help maintain operational continuity while preparing for the full upgrade process. Additionally, organizations may choose to disable newsletter registration completely as a temporary mitigation strategy, although this approach significantly impacts user experience and marketing capabilities. The security community generally recommends implementing multiple layers of defense for such vulnerabilities, including monitoring for unauthorized subscription activities, regular database audits, and enhanced logging of subscription-related events. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their email systems and implement proper access controls to minimize the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in other components of their e-commerce infrastructure.