CVE-2017-17898 in ERP
Summary
by MITRE
Dolibarr ERP/CRM version 6.0.4 does not block direct requests to *.tpl.php files, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17898 affects Dolibarr ERP/CRM version 6.0.4 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from inadequate access controls within the application's file handling mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets template files with the .tpl.php extension, which are typically intended for internal use within the application's rendering pipeline. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly request these template files, potentially exposing sensitive data that should remain protected within the application's internal structure.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's failure to implement proper authorization checks for template file access. When Dolibarr processes requests for .tpl.php files, it does not validate whether the requester has appropriate permissions to access these files directly. This design oversight creates an attack surface where malicious actors can construct direct URLs to access template files that contain sensitive information such as database connection details, configuration parameters, or other system internals that should only be accessible through proper application workflows. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which deals with Information Exposure, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in software security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with valuable intelligence for subsequent attacks. When attackers successfully access .tpl.php files, they may obtain database credentials, API keys, or other sensitive configuration data that could enable them to compromise the entire system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1528, which focuses on credentials harvesting through the exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities. The ability to directly access template files creates opportunities for attackers to escalate their privileges and move laterally within the network, particularly if the template files contain references to system resources or user credentials. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and can lead to unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17898 should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms within the Dolibarr application. Organizations should ensure that template files are not directly accessible through web requests by configuring proper web server rules or application-level access controls. The recommended approach involves modifying the application's routing logic to prevent direct access to .tpl.php files and implementing authentication checks before allowing any template file access. Security measures should include configuring web server restrictions to prevent direct file access, implementing proper input validation for all file requests, and ensuring that all template files are processed through the application's intended workflow rather than being served directly. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities in other components of their ERP/CRM systems, as this type of flaw often indicates broader architectural security concerns that may affect other parts of the application. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file access controls and the need for comprehensive security testing of web applications to prevent information disclosure attacks.