CVE-2004-1227 in Sugar Sales
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in SugarCRM Sugar Sales 2.0.1c and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and possibly execute arbitrary PHP code via .. (dot dot) sequences in the (1) module, (2) action, or (3) theme parameters to index.php, (4) the theme parameter to Login.php, and possibly other parameters or scripts.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2025
This directory traversal vulnerability in SugarCRM Sugar Sales 2.0.1c and earlier versions represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in multiple parameter handling mechanisms within the web application's core scripts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the module, action, theme, and other parameters in the index.php and Login.php scripts to navigate through the file system hierarchy using .. (dot dot) sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before processing them. When the system receives requests containing directory traversal sequences in parameters such as module, action, or theme, it does not adequately validate or filter these inputs, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that can traverse directories and access files outside the intended application scope. This flaw specifically affects the web server's file handling mechanisms and demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and access control measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to read sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, source code, and potentially execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The ability to read arbitrary files means that attackers can extract database connection strings, application secrets, and other confidential information that could lead to further compromise of the system. Additionally, the possibility of executing arbitrary PHP code through this vulnerability transforms a simple file reading attack into a full system compromise scenario.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, and maps to ATT&CK techniques including T1083 File and Directory Discovery and T1566 Phishing. The weakness exists primarily due to inadequate input validation and insufficient sanitization of user-provided parameters in the application's request handling logic. Organizations running affected versions of SugarCRM should immediately apply vendor patches or updates to address this vulnerability, implement proper input validation measures, and consider deploying web application firewalls to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the affected software, implementing comprehensive input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and establishing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file system access. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement proper parameter sanitization techniques. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications to prevent directory traversal attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.