CVE-2023-43484 in e-Commerce
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2023
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in Item List page of Welcart e-Commerce versions 2.7 to 2.8.21 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to inject an arbitrary script.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2023
The CVE-2023-43484 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Welcart e-Commerce platform, specifically affecting versions ranging from 2.7 through 2.8.21. This vulnerability exists within the Item List page functionality, creating a significant security risk for online retailers who depend on this e-commerce solution for their business operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected website. The vulnerability's presence in the item listing functionality suggests that any product or service information displayed on this page could potentially be compromised, affecting the integrity of the entire e-commerce platform's user interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Welcart e-Commerce system. When user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in the Item List page, attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws, where improper validation of input data leads to execution of unintended code. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it does not require authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks and script kiddies who can leverage this weakness to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-43484 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and defacement of the e-commerce platform. Users visiting the compromised Item List page could have their browser cookies stolen, potentially leading to unauthorized access to their accounts or shopping carts. The vulnerability also opens the door for more sophisticated attacks such as phishing campaigns where attackers can redirect users to malicious sites or inject additional malicious scripts that persist across user sessions. Additionally, the compromised platform could be used to deliver malware to unsuspecting customers, damaging the retailer's reputation and potentially violating data protection regulations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing) and T1059.007 (Scripting) techniques, demonstrating how a single XSS flaw can enable multiple attack vectors.
Organizations using Welcart e-Commerce versions 2.7 through 2.8.21 should immediately implement mitigations to protect their systems and customers. The primary remediation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address the input validation and output encoding deficiencies. Until patches are applied, administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, input sanitization at the application level, and regular monitoring of the Item List page for suspicious activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining up-to-date software versions as part of a comprehensive security posture. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, while conducting thorough security training for developers to prevent similar issues in custom applications built on top of the Welcart platform.