CVE-2009-3250 in vtiger
Summary
by MITRE
The saveForwardAttachments procedure in the Compose Mail functionality in vtiger CRM 5.0.4 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by composing an e-mail message with an attachment filename ending in (1) .php in installations based on certain Apache HTTP Server configurations, (2) .php. on Windows, or (3) .php/ on Linux, and then making a direct request to a certain pathname under storage/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3250 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the vtiger CRM 5.0.4 email composition module. This security weakness specifically targets the saveForwardAttachments procedure which handles email attachment processing during message composition. The vulnerability exploits a path traversal and file extension handling issue that occurs when the system processes email attachments with specific filename patterns. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on specific Apache HTTP Server configurations and operating system behaviors that permit the execution of PHP files when they are accessed through certain URL patterns. When an attacker composes an email with an attachment filename ending in .php, .php/, or .php on different platforms, the system stores these files in the storage/ directory with predictable paths. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when a direct HTTP request is made to a specific pathname under the storage/ directory, allowing the web server to execute the malicious PHP file. This attack vector demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths during attachment processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3250 extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise. An authenticated attacker with access to the vtiger CRM email functionality can upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, which could lead to data theft, system infiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects installations where the Apache HTTP Server is configured in a way that allows PHP file execution, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where CRM systems often contain sensitive business and customer data. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-94 Code Injection categories, representing a combination of directory traversal and code execution vulnerabilities.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, starting with immediate patching of the vtiger CRM system to version 5.1.0 or later where this issue has been resolved. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious file upload patterns and direct access attempts to storage directories. Input validation should be strengthened to prevent the acceptance of filenames with potentially dangerous extensions or path components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for both perimeter defenses and internal monitoring to detect unauthorized file upload activities. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and audit logging to track email attachment processing activities and identify potential exploitation attempts.