CVE-2009-3249 in vtiger
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in vtiger CRM 5.0.4 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) the module parameter to graph.php; or the (2) module or (3) file parameter to include/Ajax/CommonAjax.php, reachable through modules/Campaigns/CampaignsAjax.php, modules/SalesOrder/SalesOrderAjax.php, modules/System/SystemAjax.php, modules/Products/ProductsAjax.php, modules/uploads/uploadsAjax.php, modules/Dashboard/DashboardAjax.php, modules/Potentials/PotentialsAjax.php, modules/Notes/NotesAjax.php, modules/Faq/FaqAjax.php, modules/Quotes/QuotesAjax.php, modules/Utilities/UtilitiesAjax.php, modules/Calendar/ActivityAjax.php, modules/Calendar/CalendarAjax.php, modules/PurchaseOrder/PurchaseOrderAjax.php, modules/HelpDesk/HelpDeskAjax.php, modules/Invoice/InvoiceAjax.php, modules/Accounts/AccountsAjax.php, modules/Reports/ReportsAjax.php, modules/Contacts/ContactsAjax.php, and modules/Portal/PortalAjax.php; and allow remote authenticated users to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the step parameter in an Import action to the (4) Accounts, (5) Contacts, (6) HelpDesk, (7) Leads, (8) Potentials, (9) Products, or (10) Vendors module, reachable through index.php and related to modules/Import/index.php and multiple Import.php files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3249 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting vtiger CRM version 5.0.4, which enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary local file inclusion attacks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in multiple ajax endpoints and import functionalities within the application's web interface, creating a pathway for attackers to access and execute arbitrary files on the server. The flaw manifests through the manipulation of directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, which allows unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability impacts a wide range of modules including Campaigns, SalesOrder, System, Products, and numerous others, demonstrating the extensive scope of the security weakness.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at multiple points within the application's architecture, specifically targeting the graph.php script and the include/Ajax/CommonAjax.php endpoint. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by crafting malicious requests that include directory traversal sequences in parameters such as module, file, or step, depending on the targeted endpoint. The vulnerability operates at the application level where user-supplied input is directly concatenated into file paths without proper sanitization or validation, creating a path traversal condition that violates fundamental security principles of input validation and access control. This type of flaw is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-documented weakness in web application security.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3249 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass complete system compromise capabilities. Remote authenticated users can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects multiple ajax endpoints and import functionalities, meaning that an attacker could exploit different entry points depending on their level of access and target objectives. The fact that this vulnerability affects both unauthenticated remote access through public ajax endpoints and authenticated access through import functionalities demonstrates the multi-layered nature of the threat. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to establish persistent access or escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization across all user-supplied parameters that influence file operations. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement a whitelist-based approach for module and file parameters, ensuring that only pre-approved values can be used in file operations. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and privilege separation, particularly for import functionalities where authenticated users can potentially escalate their privileges. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of secure file handling functions, proper input sanitization, and regular security code reviews can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future versions. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential paths for exploitation within the application's architecture. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation in preventing path traversal attacks and underscores the need for comprehensive security measures throughout the software development lifecycle.