CVE-2014-3244 in SugarCRM
Summary
by MITRE
XML external entity (XXE) vulnerability in the RSSDashlet dashlet in SugarCRM before 6.5.17 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files or potentially execute arbitrary code via a crafted DTD in an XML request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2021
The CVE-2014-3244 vulnerability represents a critical XML external entity injection flaw within the RSSDashlet component of SugarCRM versions prior to 6.5.17. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-611 weakness category, which specifically addresses XML external entity processing vulnerabilities that can lead to information disclosure and potential code execution. The vulnerability exists in the way the RSSDashlet dashlet processes XML data, particularly when handling RSS feeds and other XML-based content within the SugarCRM web application interface.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability occurs through a crafted malicious DTD (Document Type Definition) embedded within an XML request that the vulnerable RSSDashlet component processes. When a malicious user crafts a specially formatted XML request containing an external entity reference, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing it. This allows attackers to reference external resources that can be used to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem or potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through the web interface without requiring authentication, making it accessible to remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges and gain full control over the affected SugarCRM server. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other critical system files that might contain authentication tokens or other sensitive data. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets a component that is commonly used within web applications, and the exploitation does not require special privileges or complex attack chains. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the RSSDashlet dashlet, which is designed to display RSS feeds and other XML content, making it a legitimate target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3244 should focus on implementing proper XML input validation and sanitization within the SugarCRM application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to SugarCRM version 6.5.17 or later, which includes patches addressing this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper XML parser configuration that disables external entity resolution and DTD processing can prevent exploitation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious XML content patterns. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual file access patterns and ensure that the application runs with minimal necessary privileges. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories and T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, highlighting the potential for both information gathering and execution capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application security design, particularly for components that process external data sources like RSS feeds.