CVE-2017-17899 in ERP
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in adherents/subscription/info.php in Dolibarr ERP/CRM version 6.0.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the rowid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17899 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Dolibarr ERP/CRM software version 6.0.4, specifically affecting the adherents/subscription/info.php component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the rowid parameter, creating a direct pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database structure. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without authentication, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure. Dolibarr, being an enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management system, stores sensitive organizational data including financial records, customer information, and business operations data, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on the platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the affected php script. When the rowid parameter is processed, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-provided data before incorporating it into sql query constructions. This primitive sql injection vector enables attackers to inject malicious sql payloads that bypass normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 as sql injection, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers typically first identify vulnerable endpoints before executing injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, encompassing complete system compromise and potential data destruction. An attacker exploiting this flaw could gain unauthorized access to customer databases, financial records, and internal business communications stored within the dolibarr system. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or network proximity to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly attractive for cybercriminals. Organizations using dolibarr version 6.0.4 face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges, establish persistent access, and use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks within the organization's network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17899 require immediate action including the deployment of the vendor-provided security patch or upgrade to a patched version of dolibarr. Organizations should implement input validation controls at multiple layers including web application firewalls, database access controls, and application-level sanitization routines. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting database user permissions to only essential operations, preventing attackers from executing destructive commands even if they successfully inject sql code. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual database access patterns and sql injection attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their dolibarr installations and implement regular vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues within other components of their enterprise software ecosystem. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security controls throughout the application development lifecycle.