CVE-2014-5520 in XRMS
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in XRMS CRM, possibly 1.99.2, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the user_id parameter to plugins/webform/new-form.php, which is not properly handled by plugins/useradmin/fingeruser.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The CVE-2014-5520 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the XRMS CRM software ecosystem, specifically targeting version 1.99.2 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the web application's handling of user authentication and management functions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security controls and directly manipulate the underlying database infrastructure. The flaw manifests through improper input validation in the user_id parameter within the plugins/webform/new-form.php component, which subsequently propagates to the plugins/useradmin/fingeruser.php module, creating a chain of insecure data handling that enables attackers to execute unauthorized database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection attack pattern where an attacker crafts malicious input containing SQL commands within the user_id parameter. When the application processes this parameter without proper sanitization or parameterization, the injected SQL code gets executed within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify user accounts, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its location within core user management functionality, as this module typically handles authentication data and user permissions that are fundamental to system security. This type of flaw maps directly to CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning that would precede exploitation.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive customer data managed by the CRM system. Organizations using XRMS CRM versions affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or access to the system, as the vulnerability exists in publicly accessible web forms that could be exploited by anyone with network access to the application. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, map user accounts, and potentially establish persistent access through modified user credentials or privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network perimeter, making it a critical target for immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5520 should focus on immediate patching of the affected XRMS CRM software to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, particularly in modules handling user authentication and management functions. Network segmentation and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter suspicious SQL injection attempts, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Additionally, organizations should establish robust monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized database access attempts and implement principle of least privilege access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in existing functionality while maintaining the application's core business operations.