In 2023, the rise of cyber attacks targeting e-commerce platforms has accelerated, largely driven by the shift toward omnichannel retail and the proliferation of API interfaces. As threat actors continuously seek to exploit these vulnerabilities, it underscores the critical necessity for regular security testing and real-time monitoring to swiftly identify and address weaknesses within web applications.
This report analyzes a significant breach involving Honda’s e-commerce platform, highlighting how the attack unfolded and its repercussions for both the company and its customers. Additionally, we will emphasize the role of application security testing in safeguarding e-commerce platforms while exploring various aspects of vulnerability testing and its phases.
The recent Honda breach, attributed to a concerning flaw in the API of its power equipment and marine products platform, permitted unauthorized individuals to trigger password resets across any account. This vulnerability was uncovered by researcher Eaton Zveare, who had previously identified a security issue within Toyota’s supplier portal. By exploiting this flaw, a threat actor could gain unrestricted administrative access to critical data, posing a significant risk of a major data breach.
Zveare noted that inadequate access controls allowed for unrestricted data access, even under a standard test account, raising alarms about the potential for extensive data exposure. The information compromised included nearly 24,000 customer orders containing sensitive details such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, along with access to 3,588 dealer user accounts and various internal financial reports. Such a data breach could empower cybercriminals to launch phishing attacks or sell sensitive information on dark web marketplaces.
Zveare’s investigation into Honda’s platform, specifically the “powerdealer.honda.com” subdomains assigned to registered dealers, revealed that the password reset API on the Power Equipment Tech Express (PETE) site allowed requests without requiring prior password verification. A valid email linked to a test account, revealed during a YouTube demonstration, opened the door for subsequent exploitations. This led to a potential scenario where attackers could automate access to numerous dealer accounts without detection.
After reporting his findings on March 16, 2023, to Honda, the vulnerability was patched by April 3, 2023. However, Zveare received no financial reward for his efforts, as Honda does not maintain a bug bounty program.
Application security testing is fundamental in shielding sensitive data belonging to customers, dealers, and partners in the e-commerce sector. Frequent attacks necessitate robust protective measures to avert data breaches that could tarnish reputations and incur financial losses. With regulatory compliance becoming increasingly stringent, e-commerce businesses must focus on comprehensive security strategies that extend beyond just updated features; all components of the application must undergo testing against industry best practices.
Threats such as phishing, malware, and e-skimming continue to pose considerable risks for e-commerce applications. Phishing attempts often masquerade as legitimate communications from trusted sources, seeking to extract sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. The evolution of malware and ransomware means that businesses can be locked out of their systems, leading to costly recoveries. E-skimming targets payment processing pages to harvest credit card data, representing an insidious means of data theft.
The vulnerability testing process encompasses several critical areas including web applications, APIs, networks, and cloud-based assessments. Each of these domains requires rigorous examination through a structured methodology that identifies high-risk assets, conducts vulnerability assessments, and implements remediation measures. Pentesting as a Service (PTaaS) has emerged as an efficient solution, providing ongoing evaluations and real-time visibility into security postures, contrasting sharply with traditional penetration testing that typically occurs on an infrequent basis.
In conclusion, the frequency of cyber attacks targeting e-commerce platforms illustrates a persistent threat landscape where even industry leaders like Honda are susceptible to security vulnerabilities. Continuous testing through methods such as PTaaS is vital for identifying and mitigating risks swiftly, ensuring that both businesses and end-users remain protected from sophisticated cyber threats.
