CVE-2025-47289 in PhoenixCart
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2025
CE Phoenix is a free, open-source eCommerce platform. A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability was discovered in CE Phoenix versions 1.0.9.9 through 1.1.0.2 where an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript into the testimonial description field. Once submitted, if the shop owner (admin) approves the testimonial, the script executes in the context of any user visiting the testimonial page. Because the session cookies are not marked with the `HttpOnly` flag, they can be exfiltrated by the attacker — potentially leading to account takeover. Version 1.1.0.3 fixes the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-47289 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the CE Phoenix eCommerce platform that affects versions ranging from 1.0.9.9 through 1.1.0.2. This vulnerability exists in the testimonial description field where malicious input can be persisted and executed when approved by administrators. The flaw allows attackers to inject JavaScript code that executes in the context of any user who visits the testimonial page, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users over time. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between the platform and its administrators, who must approve testimonials before they become visible to customers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the testimonial handling components of the CE Phoenix platform. When users submit testimonials containing malicious JavaScript code, the platform fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before storing it in the database. This stored content is then rendered without adequate security measures when displayed to other users, creating the conditions for XSS exploitation. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the testimonial description field where attackers can inject script payloads that execute in the browser context of any visitor. The absence of proper content security policies and inadequate sanitization routines creates an environment where attacker-controlled scripts can run with the privileges of the victim users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to include potential session hijacking and account takeover capabilities. Because the platform's session cookies lack the HttpOnly flag, attackers can leverage the XSS vulnerability to extract these cookies from the victim's browser and establish unauthorized access to user accounts. This creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to sensitive customer information, including personal details, purchase history, and potentially payment information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in administrative contexts where the testimonial approval process creates a trusted execution environment that can be exploited to compromise entire administrative sessions.
The security implications of CVE-2025-47289 align with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on credential access through web application attacks, and T1211 which covers exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack chain typically involves initial compromise through testimonial injection, followed by cookie harvesting and session takeover. Organizations using affected versions of CE Phoenix should immediately implement the patch released in version 1.1.0.3 which addresses both the XSS vulnerability through proper input sanitization and the cookie security issue by implementing the HttpOnly flag on session cookies. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing additional security measures such as content security policies and regular security audits of user input fields to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the platform.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of version 1.1.0.3 which includes comprehensive fixes for both the XSS vector and the cookie security weakness. The patch implements proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms that prevent malicious scripts from being stored and executed, while also ensuring that session cookies are properly marked with the HttpOnly flag to prevent client-side script access. Organizations should conduct thorough security testing of the patched environment to verify that the XSS vulnerability has been fully addressed and that no regression issues have been introduced. System administrators should also review and update their security monitoring procedures to detect potential attempts to exploit this vulnerability, including monitoring for unusual testimonial submissions or patterns of cookie theft attempts. The fix represents a complete solution that addresses the root causes identified in the vulnerability while maintaining full backward compatibility with existing platform functionality and user workflows.