CVE-2004-1611 in SalesLogix
Summary
by MITRE
SalesLogix 6.1 does not verify if a user is authenticated before performing sensitive operations, which could allow remote attackers to (1) execute arbitrary SLX commands on the server or spoof the server via a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, or (2) obtain the database password via a GetConnection request to TCP port 1707.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1611 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in SalesLogix 6.1, a customer relationship management platform that was widely deployed in enterprise environments during the early 2000s. This weakness stems from the application's failure to properly validate user credentials before executing privileged operations, creating a fundamental security gap that exposes the system to various attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically affects the communication protocols used by SalesLogix, particularly its handling of TCP port 1707 which serves as the primary interface for database connection requests and command execution. The lack of proper authentication verification creates an environment where unauthorized actors can exploit the system's trust model to gain elevated privileges without proper authorization, fundamentally undermining the application's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack pathways that leverage the application's insufficient authentication mechanisms. The first pathway allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SLX commands on the server by bypassing authentication checks, effectively granting them full administrative control over the target system. This command execution capability enables attackers to manipulate application data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network. The second vulnerability involves the exposure of database credentials through a GetConnection request to TCP port 1707, where the application fails to authenticate the requesting user before returning sensitive connection information. This exposure creates a direct path for attackers to obtain database passwords, which can then be used to access backend databases, extract confidential information, or escalate privileges to other systems within the enterprise network.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates severe consequences for organizations using SalesLogix 6.1, particularly those handling sensitive customer data or financial information. The ability to execute arbitrary commands on the server represents a complete compromise of system integrity, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, modify application behavior, or establish backdoors for future access. The exposure of database passwords through the GetConnection request creates an additional attack surface that can lead to data breaches, unauthorized data access, and potential compliance violations under regulations such as gdpr, hipaa, or pci dss. Organizations may face significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences when such vulnerabilities are exploited, especially given that SalesLogix was commonly used in regulated industries where data protection is paramount.
The vulnerability aligns with multiple CWE categories including CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and CWE-312, which covers exposure of sensitive information. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1110.003 for credential access through brute force and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, particularly in the context of command execution and data exfiltration. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 1707, deployment of network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious GetConnection requests, and implementation of additional authentication layers. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a supported version of SalesLogix that properly implements authentication verification mechanisms, though this may require careful planning due to potential application compatibility issues. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their entire SalesLogix deployment to identify other potential authentication bypass vulnerabilities and implement proper network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to the vulnerable communication ports.