CVE-2004-1610 in SalesLogix
Summary
by MITRE
SalesLogix 6.1 uses client-specified pathnames for writing certain files, which might allow remote authenticated users to create arbitrary files and execute code via the (1) vMME.AttachmentPath or (2) vMME.LibraryPath variables.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1610 affects SalesLogix 6.1, a customer relationship management application that was widely used in enterprise environments during the early 2000s. This flaw represents a classic path traversal and arbitrary file creation vulnerability that arises from improper input validation within the application's file handling mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts the application's handling of attachment and library paths, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this platform for business operations.
The technical flaw stems from the application's design where it accepts pathnames directly from client-side requests without proper sanitization or validation. When authenticated users submit requests containing the vMME.AttachmentPath or vMME.LibraryPath variables, the system processes these values without adequate checks to prevent directory traversal attacks. This allows malicious actors to specify arbitrary file paths that could potentially overwrite system files or create new files in unauthorized locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that users with legitimate credentials could exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized system access. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, both of which are categorized as high-risk vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution through strategic file placement. Attackers could potentially place malicious scripts or binaries in system directories, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the application process. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the organization's network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where SalesLogix might be integrated with other critical systems, as it could serve as a stepping stone for lateral movement attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate authentication to execute malicious operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting file write permissions for the application, implementing strict input validation on all user-supplied paths, and applying network segmentation to limit access to the SalesLogix application. The most effective long-term solution involves patching the application to properly sanitize all user inputs and implementing proper access controls that prevent arbitrary file creation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their legacy systems to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other applications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to ensure that such vulnerabilities are not present in other parts of the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing path traversal attacks, which remain prevalent in modern software development despite decades of known exploitation techniques.