CVE-2014-2269 in vTiger
Summary
by MITRE
modules/Users/ForgotPassword.php in vTiger 6.0 before Security Patch 2 allows remote attackers to reset the password for arbitrary users via a request containing the username, password, and confirmPassword parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2269 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the vTiger CRM 6.0 platform before Security Patch 2. This weakness exists in the ForgotPassword.php module located at modules/Users/ForgotPassword.php, where the application fails to properly validate user authentication status during the password reset process. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to manipulate the password reset functionality by crafting specially formatted requests that include username, password, and confirmPassword parameters. This vulnerability directly undermines the fundamental security principle of authentication controls and creates a pathway for unauthorized access to user accounts across the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the password reset mechanism. When an attacker sends a request containing the username, password, and confirmPassword parameters to the ForgotPassword.php endpoint, the system processes this request without verifying whether the requester has legitimate authorization to perform password resets for the specified user account. This lack of proper session validation and user authorization checks creates a condition where any remote attacker can potentially reset passwords for arbitrary users within the vTiger system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 related to credential access through social engineering and authentication bypass methods. The flaw essentially removes the requirement for valid session tokens or authentication credentials that should normally be present before allowing password modification operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2269 extends beyond simple account compromise, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, business information, and system resources that are typically protected by user authentication. Once an attacker successfully resets passwords for legitimate user accounts, they can access the full range of privileges associated with those accounts, potentially leading to data breaches, system manipulation, and unauthorized transactions within the vTiger CRM environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system since it allows attackers to impersonate legitimate users and access business-critical information. Organizations using vTiger 6.0 before Security Patch 2 faced significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential system compromise, as the vulnerability could be exploited without requiring any prior access credentials or system knowledge. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where CRM systems contain sensitive customer information and business-critical data that requires robust protection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2269 should focus on implementing proper authentication checks and input validation within the password reset functionality. Organizations must ensure that all password reset requests require valid authentication tokens or verification mechanisms before processing password changes, and that the system validates the requesting user's authorization to modify the target account. The recommended solution involves applying Security Patch 2 for vTiger 6.0, which addresses the specific validation flaw in the ForgotPassword.php module. Additional defensive measures include implementing rate limiting on password reset requests to prevent brute force attacks, requiring multi-factor authentication for password reset operations, and ensuring that all user account access attempts are properly logged and monitored for suspicious activity. Security patches should be applied immediately, and organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their CRM systems to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication design patterns and demonstrates how missing validation controls can lead to complete system compromise, making it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date security patches and implement comprehensive security testing procedures.