CVE-2013-7225 in Fat Free
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in app/controllers/home_controller.rb in Fat Free CRM before 0.12.1 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the homepage timeline feature or (2) the activity feature.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7225 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Fat Free CRM version 0.12.0 and earlier, exposing the application to remote authenticated attackers who can execute arbitrary SQL commands through specific controller endpoints. This vulnerability resides within the app/controllers/home_controller.rb file, making it a server-side injection vulnerability that directly impacts the application's database layer. The flaw affects two primary features of the application's user interface: the homepage timeline functionality and the activity tracking component, both of which process user input without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper query construction within the home controller's methods. When authenticated users access the timeline or activity features, their input is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameter binding mechanisms. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious SQL payloads that bypass authentication checks and manipulate the underlying database. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-89 SQL Injection, specifically a persistent or stored SQL injection variant, as the malicious input is processed through the application's normal user interaction flows. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive data, modify database records, or potentially escalate privileges within the application's security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise the entire database backend of the Fat Free CRM instance. Remote authenticated users can exploit this vulnerability to execute commands that may reveal user credentials, customer information, and business data stored within the CRM system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that attackers who have obtained legitimate user credentials can leverage this weakness to cause significant damage. According to ATT&CK framework category T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistence or escalate privileges by manipulating the database records that store user information and application configuration. The vulnerability also enables data integrity attacks, allowing malicious actors to corrupt or delete critical business information while maintaining access through legitimate user accounts.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2013-7225 requires immediate implementation of parameterized queries and input sanitization throughout the affected controller methods. Organizations should upgrade to Fat Free CRM version 0.12.1 or later, which includes proper SQL injection protection mechanisms. Security measures must include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, including application-level parameter binding, stored procedure usage, and regular security code reviews focusing on database query construction. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with SQL injection detection capabilities provides an additional defensive layer. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-89 and its potential for privilege escalation aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving credential access and defense evasion, making comprehensive monitoring and incident response procedures essential for organizations using this CRM platform.