CVE-2022-46158 is a vulnerability identified in PrestaShop, an open-source e-commerce platform widely used for online retail operations. The issue affects all versions prior to 1.7.8.8 and relates to improper access control on the host filesystem, specifically concerning the upload directory. Due to insufficient restrictions, unauthorized users could potentially access and view the contents of this directory without appropriate permissions. This exposure constitutes a CWE-200 vulnerability, which involves the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The upload directory in e-commerce platforms often contains user-uploaded files, product images, or other data that may include sensitive business or customer information. Although there are no known exploits actively observed in the wild, the vulnerability presents a risk of unauthorized data disclosure. The flaw was addressed in PrestaShop version 1.7.8.8, and upgrading to this version or later is the recommended remediation. No alternative workarounds are available, emphasizing the importance of patching. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction to be exploited, as it stems from improper filesystem access controls, potentially allowing remote attackers to enumerate or download files from the upload directory. This could lead to leakage of sensitive business data, customer information, or intellectual property, depending on what files are stored in the affected directory.

For European organizations using PrestaShop versions prior to 1.7.8.8, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, impacting confidentiality. Exposure of customer data or internal business files could result in reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance (notably under GDPR), and potential financial losses. While the vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, the leakage of sensitive data could facilitate further attacks such as social engineering or targeted phishing campaigns. E-commerce businesses, especially SMEs relying on PrestaShop for online sales, are at risk of data breaches that could undermine customer trust and lead to legal consequences. The impact is heightened in sectors handling sensitive personal data or payment information. Given the lack of known exploits, the immediate risk is moderate; however, the ease of exploitation due to missing access controls means that attackers with minimal technical skills could leverage this vulnerability if unpatched systems are exposed to the internet.

The primary and most effective mitigation is to upgrade PrestaShop installations to version 1.7.8.8 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure timely updates. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict access permissions on the upload directory at the web server and filesystem levels, implementing strict access control lists (ACLs) to prevent unauthorized browsing or downloading of files. Employing web application firewalls (WAFs) to monitor and block suspicious requests targeting the upload directory can provide an additional layer of defense. Regular security audits and file integrity monitoring should be conducted to detect unauthorized access or changes. Organizations should also ensure that sensitive files are not stored in publicly accessible directories and consider encrypting sensitive data at rest. Finally, monitoring logs for unusual access patterns related to the upload directory can help in early detection of exploitation attempts.