CVE-2012-4867 in vtiger
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in modules/com_vtiger_workflow/sortfieldsjson.php in vtiger CRM 5.1.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the module_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The CVE-2012-4867 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the vtiger CRM 5.1.0 web application, specifically affecting the sortfieldsjson.php module. This vulnerability resides in the workflow management component of the customer relationship management system, which is widely used by organizations for business process automation and data management. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the module_name parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the vtiger CRM codebase. When a remote attacker submits a crafted request containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) within the module_name parameter, the application processes this input without adequate sanitization. This allows the attacker to traverse directories and access files that should remain restricted, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, database credentials, or even application source code. The vulnerability specifically affects the sortfieldsjson.php endpoint which is designed to handle JSON data for workflow field sorting operations but fails to properly validate the module_name parameter, creating a path traversal condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. Organizations using vtiger CRM 5.1.0 become vulnerable to attacks that could compromise data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem, potentially accessing sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or application source code that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects the entire web application stack and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed CRM systems.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches or upgrading to vtiger CRM versions that address this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls with rules to detect and block directory traversal attempts, and conduct comprehensive security assessments of their CRM environments. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and follows ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, highlighting the need for proper access controls and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also review their overall security posture and consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.