Shopify Takeover Detection Scanner

Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows anyone to set up an online store and sell their products. It is widely adopted by individuals and businesses for its ease of use and comprehensive features. Shopify services are used across the globe by enterprises of all sizes to manage their online sales efforts. With tools ranging from inventory management to payment processing, Shopify caters to e-commerce users seeking an all-in-one solution. The system is versatile, being able to adapt to different business models, from direct sales to dropshipping. Many rely on its robust infrastructure to ensure seamless transactions and customer interactions.

A Shopify Takeover is a vulnerability that occurs when subdomains are not correctly configured, allowing malicious actors to take control. This vulnerability can manifest when a subdomain points to a Shopify site that is no longer in use but still up for connection. Attackers can identify these subdomains and claim them without appropriate ownership validation. If a subdomain is taken over, it can be used to redirect users to malicious content or perform phishing attacks under the guise of the legitimate site. The risk associated with this vulnerability is significant, as it can severely damage brand reputation and customer trust. Proper diligence and subdomain management are crucial to prevent such vulnerabilities.

Technical details of Shopify Takeover revolve around how a domain’s CNAME records are managed. Vulnerable endpoints include unclaimed or inactive subdomains that still have DNS records pointing to Shopify's domain. Misconfigured, outdated, or abandoned subdomain records without proper redirection can be high-risk vectors. Detecting this involves identifying specific strings in returned web pages and ensuring strict subdomain ownership controls. The primary issue lies in mismanagement or oversight during domain transitions, where records are left without active Shopify accounts to manage them. Automated scripts and scanners are often used to find these exposed records and take action before malicious agents do.

If exploited, a takeover can redirect users to imposter sites that may collect user input, credentials, or distribute malware. This deception under the umbrella of a recognized domain can lead to significant data breaches and financial loss for users. Search engines might delist or penalize compromised sites, leading to decreased visibility and sales opportunities. Users redirected to phishing sites may divulge sensitive information, believing they are interacting with a legitimate merchant. Prolonged exploitation can undermine customer loyalty and lead to increased security liabilities for the affected business. Swift identification and mitigation of such takeovers are essential to minimize impact.

REFERENCES

• https://medium.com/@thebuckhacker/how-to-do-55-000-subdomain-takeover-in-a-blink-of-an-eye-a94954c3fc75
• https://github.com/EdOverflow/can-i-take-over-xyz/issues/32
• https://github.com/EdOverflow/can-i-take-over-xyz/issues/46
• https://hackerone.com/reports/1711890