CVE-2006-2460 in SugarCRM
Summary
by MITRE
Sugar Suite Open Source (SugarCRM) 4.2 and earlier, when register_globals is enabled, does not protect critical variables such as $_GLOBALS and $_SESSION from modification, which allows remote attackers to conduct attacks such as directory traversal or PHP remote file inclusion, as demonstrated by modifying the GLOBALS[sugarEntry] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2460 affects Sugar Suite Open Source versions 4.2 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that exploits the improper handling of global variables when the register_globals PHP configuration setting is enabled. This vulnerability resides in the core application architecture where essential variables including $_GLOBALS and $_SESSION are not adequately protected from external modification, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's internal state. The flaw specifically manifests when attackers can modify the GLOBALS[sugarEntry] parameter, which serves as a critical entry point for the application's execution flow. This issue directly relates to CWE-1237, which addresses improper protection of global variables in web applications, and represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and variable sanitization practices within the SugarCRM codebase.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the GLOBALS array, which is a superglobal variable in PHP that contains all global variables. When register_globals is enabled, PHP automatically creates global variables from request parameters, making it possible for attackers to inject malicious values into critical system variables. The vulnerability allows for directory traversal attacks by manipulating the sugarEntry parameter to navigate to arbitrary directories on the server filesystem, and enables PHP remote file inclusion attacks by modifying global variables to include malicious code from remote locations. This type of vulnerability is categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP and T1211 for exploiting weaknesses in input validation, demonstrating how improper variable handling can create multiple attack vectors within a single flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and arbitrary code execution capabilities within the application environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive customer information stored within the SugarCRM instance. The vulnerability affects organizations using older versions of SugarCRM where register_globals may still be enabled for compatibility reasons, creating a persistent security risk. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to CRM data, potential data exfiltration, and system integrity compromise that could result in regulatory violations and significant financial losses. The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable application resides.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2460 require immediate action to disable register_globals in PHP configuration and upgrade to supported versions of SugarCRM where this vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization practices to prevent modification of critical global variables, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly filtered before being processed by the application. The recommended remediation includes updating to SugarCRM versions 4.5 and later, where the vulnerability has been patched, and implementing server hardening measures such as disabling register_globals in php.ini files. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and implement proper access controls to limit exposure, while following security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure.