CVE-2011-4833 in SugarCRM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Leads module in SugarCRM 6.1 before 6.1.7, 6.2 before 6.2.4, 6.3 before 6.3.0RC3, and 6.4 before 6.4.0beta1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) where and (2) order parameters in a get_full_list action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4833 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Leads module of SugarCRM versions prior to specific patch releases. This vulnerability exists in multiple version branches including 6.1.x before 6.1.7, 6.2.x before 6.2.4, 6.3.x before 6.3.0RC3, and 6.4.x before 6.4.0beta1, making it a widespread issue affecting the core customer relationship management platform. The flaw specifically impacts the get_full_list action endpoint in the index.php file, which serves as a primary interface for retrieving lead data from the database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Leads module's handling of user-supplied parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the where and order parameters in the get_full_list action, which are processed directly without proper escaping or parameterization. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the context of the database connection, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack vector where user input flows directly into database queries without adequate security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4833 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over the SugarCRM system. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive customer information, modify lead records, or even compromise the entire database infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SugarCRM is widely deployed in enterprise environments where customer data, business relationships, and proprietary information are stored. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple version branches indicates a fundamental flaw in the input handling mechanisms that required patching across the entire product lifecycle.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest available versions, implementing proper input validation at all application layers, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a common weakness in application security, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol tunneling. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their SugarCRM installations, implement database query logging, and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized database access attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that no regressions affect core functionality while maintaining the security improvements that address the specific injection vectors exploited by this vulnerability.