CVE-2012-0694 in SugarCRM CE
Summary
by MITRE
SugarCRM CE <= 6.3.1 contains scripts that use "unserialize()" with user controlled input which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0694 affects SugarCRM Community Edition versions 6.3.1 and earlier, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that stems from improper input validation within the application's serialization mechanisms. This weakness exists in the core application logic where user-supplied data is processed through the unserialize() function without adequate sanitization or validation measures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system. The flaw directly violates security principles by allowing unrestricted deserialization of potentially malicious data structures that can contain executable code payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when SugarCRM processes user input through the unserialize() function, which is inherently dangerous when dealing with untrusted data sources. This practice creates a direct attack surface where remote adversaries can craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable application, trigger unintended code execution. The vulnerability falls under the category of deserialization flaws and aligns with CWE-502, which specifically addresses "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a critical security weakness. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating parameters that are later passed to unserialize(), potentially executing commands with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0694 extends far beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. An attacker who successfully leverages this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected SugarCRM instance, potentially using it as a foothold for further network penetration. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted serialized data through HTTP parameters or form inputs, which are then processed by the vulnerable application. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is exposed to untrusted networks. The risk is amplified by the fact that SugarCRM is commonly used for business-critical operations, making the potential data breach impact substantial.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to a patched version of SugarCRM, specifically versions 6.3.2 or later where the deserialization vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures can provide defense-in-depth protection, though these should not be considered complete solutions. Security measures should include disabling the vulnerable unserialize() functions where possible, implementing proper parameter validation, and monitoring for suspicious serialized data patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1133 for "External Remote Services" as exploitation typically involves command execution through web-based interfaces. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that no other applications within the environment use similar vulnerable patterns. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other instances of unsafe deserialization practices within their application portfolio, as this vulnerability type remains prevalent in many web applications.