CVE-2023-39524 in PrestaShop
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2023
PrestaShop is an open source e-commerce web application. Prior to version 8.1.1, SQL injection possible in the product search field, in BO's product page. Version 8.1.1 contains a patch for this issue. There are no known workarounds.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-39524 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in PrestaShop versions prior to 8.1.1, specifically affecting the backend product search functionality. This issue resides within the e-commerce platform's administrative interface where product search operations are processed, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database commands through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets the backend product page functionality, which typically requires elevated privileges and provides access to sensitive product data, inventory information, and administrative controls. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database queries through the product search field, potentially enabling them to extract confidential information, modify product records, or even gain deeper system access depending on the database configuration and user permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the backend search processing logic. When administrators or authorized users perform searches within the product management interface, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query structures. This primitive handling of user input creates an environment where malicious payloads can be injected directly into database commands, bypassing normal security controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting search queries containing malicious SQL syntax that would be executed against the underlying database, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data corruption, or unauthorized privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can severely compromise the integrity and availability of e-commerce operations. An attacker with access to the backend administrative interface could manipulate product listings, alter pricing information, modify inventory levels, or even delete critical product data. The implications are particularly severe for businesses relying on accurate product information for transactions, as the vulnerability could be exploited to create false inventory counts, introduce pricing discrepancies, or disrupt normal commerce operations. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the system, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the database user account has elevated permissions. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials and the use of administrative access to perform unauthorized operations.
Organizations using affected PrestaShop versions should immediately implement the patch released in version 8.1.1, as no viable workarounds exist for this vulnerability. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and parameterization of user-supplied data before database query execution. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across their entire PrestaShop deployment to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for suspicious administrative activities. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel have administrative privileges. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation practices across all application components. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other application components or third-party integrations.