CVE-2020-27976 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

osCommerce Phoenix CE before 1.0.5.4 allows OS command injection remotely. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2020-27976

What is CVE-2020-27976?

osCommerce Phoenix CE before 1.0.5.4 is vulnerable to OS command injection through the from POST parameter in admin/mail.php, affecting the PHP mail function and sendmail -f option.

The Impact of CVE-2020-27976

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-27976

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from improper handling of user-supplied input in the from POST parameter, enabling malicious commands to be executed.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: osCommerce Phoenix CE
Versions: Before 1.0.5.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted input via the from parameter, triggering the execution of unauthorized OS commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update osCommerce Phoenix CE to version 1.0.5.4 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Implement input validation and sanitization to prevent malicious input.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit web applications for security vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe computing practices to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly and stay informed about the latest security advisories to protect against known vulnerabilities.