CVE-2023-39528 in PrestaShop
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2023
PrestaShop is an open source e-commerce web application. Prior to version 8.1.1, the `displayAjaxEmailHTML` method can be used to read any file on the server, potentially even outside of the project if the server is not correctly configured. 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 identified as CVE-2023-39528 affects PrestaShop versions prior to 8.1.1 and represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the `displayAjaxEmailHTML` method. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper file path handling within the e-commerce platform's backend processing logic. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to exploit a lack of proper sanitization mechanisms that would normally prevent arbitrary file access through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's ability to properly validate and restrict file access parameters, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized file reading operations on the underlying server infrastructure. Security researchers identified this issue during routine code analysis of the application's AJAX handling mechanisms, where the method failed to adequately sanitize user-supplied input parameters before using them in file system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the `displayAjaxEmailHTML` endpoint which accepts user-controllable parameters that are directly incorporated into file path resolution logic. When an attacker submits a specially crafted request containing malicious file path references, the application processes these inputs without proper validation, potentially allowing access to files outside the intended application directory structure. This behavior aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability's severity increases significantly when the server configuration allows access to sensitive files outside the web root directory, potentially exposing configuration files, database credentials, or other critical system information. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper access control enforcement within the application's security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially enable attackers to access sensitive configuration files, database connection details, or other system resources that would normally be protected within a properly configured server environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about the system's configuration, identify potential further attack vectors, or even access files that contain sensitive business data or customer information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality aspects of the application's security posture, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise. Organizations running affected versions of PrestaShop face significant risk of unauthorized access to their server resources, particularly if the web server is misconfigured to allow access to sensitive system directories. This vulnerability directly impacts the application's compliance with industry security standards and could result in regulatory violations or financial penalties.
The remediation for CVE-2023-39528 requires immediate deployment of PrestaShop version 8.1.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms within the `displayAjaxEmailHTML` method. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to ensure all instances of the affected software are updated and verify that no workarounds are necessary. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper parameter validation and ensuring that file access operations are restricted to predefined safe directories. Organizations should also review their server configurations to ensure that proper access controls are in place and that sensitive files are not accessible through the web server. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of web application security controls. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.