Over the years, we have observed that many online stores share similar weaknesses, regardless of the underlying platform, be it Shopware, Magento, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, or a custom build. Some are platform-specific, while others result from infrastructure or configuration problems. The examples below use Shopware for illustration, but the same categories of issues apply broadly.
1. Outdated Shop Software Versions
Running unsupported or outdated shop software (for example an old Shopware release) exposes your store to publicly known vulnerabilities.
Attackers continuously scan the internet for outdated installations and often automate exploitation within hours after new vulnerabilities become public.
We verify:
- Installed shop software version and edition
- Security patch level
- Known CVEs
- Exploitability in your specific environment
2. Vulnerable Plugins
Most online shops, whether on Shopware, Magento, WooCommerce, or another platform, rely on third-party plugins and extensions. While these add useful functionality, they also significantly increase the attack surface.
Common problems that we find in pentests, many of which map directly to the OWASP Top 10:
- SQL Injection
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
- Remote Code Execution
- Authentication bypasses
- File upload vulnerabilities
- Insecure API endpoints
Our testing includes both commercial and custom-developed plugins.
3. Weak Administration Security
The shop's administration panel, whether Shopware's admin, a Magento or WooCommerce backend, or a custom dashboard, is a primary target.
We assess issues such as:
- Weak authentication
- Missing Multi-Factor Authentication
- Password policy weaknesses
- User enumeration
- Brute-force protection
- Session management
- Authorization flaws
A compromised administrator account often means complete control over the online store.
4. Business Logic Vulnerabilities
Automated scanners cannot detect flaws in business processes.
Examples include:
- Price manipulation
- Coupon abuse
- Shipping cost bypasses
- Discount stacking
- Unauthorized order modifications
- Gift card abuse
- Inventory manipulation
These vulnerabilities often have direct financial impact.
5. Payment Workflow Security
The checkout process is the most sensitive part of any e-commerce application.
We analyze whether attackers can:
- Manipulate payment amounts
- Skip payment steps
- Modify orders
- Access invoices
- View other customers' purchases
- Abuse payment APIs
6. Customer Account Security
Customer accounts frequently contain:
- Personal information
- Addresses
- Order history
- Saved payment information
- Loyalty points
We verify protection against:
- Account takeover
- Session hijacking
- Password reset weaknesses
- Broken Access Control (IDOR)
- Authentication flaws
7. API Security
Modern online shops, including Shopware's Store API, expose numerous APIs. These interfaces often become the largest attack surface.
We evaluate:
- Authentication
- Authorization
- Rate limiting
- Input validation
- Data exposure
- Object-level authorization
- API documentation exposure
8. File Upload Vulnerabilities
Many stores allow uploads for:
- Product customization
- Contact forms
- Vendor portals
- Customer images
Improper validation can lead to:
- Remote Code Execution
- Malware uploads
- Stored XSS
- Server compromise
9. Infrastructure Weaknesses
Security extends beyond the shop software itself.
Our assessment also includes:
- TLS configuration
- HTTP security headers
- Reverse proxy configuration
- Web server configuration
- CDN configuration
- Backup exposure
- Staging environments
- Directory listings
Many critical findings originate from the surrounding infrastructure rather than the shop software itself.
10. Sensitive Information Disclosure
Attackers often don't need sophisticated exploits if sensitive information is already exposed.
Examples include:
- Debug mode enabled
- Stack traces
- Configuration files
- Git repositories
- Backup archives
- Environment variables
- Error messages
- Internal IP addresses
These seemingly minor issues frequently provide valuable information for further attacks.
