CVE-2017-5218 in SageCRM
Summary
by MITRE
A SQL Injection issue was discovered in SageCRM 7.x before 7.3 SP3. The AP_DocumentUI.asp web resource includes Utilityfuncs.js when the file is opened or viewed. This file crafts a SQL statement to identify the database that is to be in use with the current user's session. The database variable can be populated from the URL, and when supplied non-expected characters, can be manipulated to obtain access to the underlying database. The /CRM/CustomPages/ACCPAC/AP_DocumentUI.asp?SID=<VALID-SID>&database=1';WAITFOR DELAY '0:0:5'-- URI is a Proof of Concept.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5218 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in SageCRM 7.x versions prior to 7.3 SP3, specifically affecting the AP_DocumentUI.asp web resource. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the application's database selection mechanism, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The vulnerability manifests through the database parameter that can be manipulated via URL parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The flaw is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to manipulate the database variable through the URL, specifically targeting the database parameter that controls which database session is utilized for the current user's interaction with the application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the database parameter within the AP_DocumentUI.asp resource, where the application constructs SQL statements using values directly obtained from user input. When attackers supply unexpected characters, particularly SQL injection payloads, they can manipulate the constructed SQL query to perform unauthorized database operations. The proof of concept provided demonstrates the use of the WAITFOR DELAY command combined with a time-based SQL injection technique, where the payload ';WAITFOR DELAY '0:0:5'-- executes a delay in database processing that can be used to confirm the vulnerability's presence and potentially extract information through blind SQL injection methods. This type of time-based injection technique is particularly effective in environments where direct output from SQL errors is suppressed, allowing attackers to infer database information through response timing variations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion of critical business information. The vulnerability affects the core authentication and session management functionality of SageCRM, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain persistent access to the application's backend systems. Given that SageCRM is widely used for customer relationship management, the compromise of such systems can result in significant financial and reputational damage to organizations, with potential exposure of sensitive customer data, financial records, and business-critical information. The vulnerability's location within the AP_DocumentUI.asp resource suggests that it could affect various document management and accounting functionalities within the system, potentially impacting multiple business processes.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to SageCRM 7.3 SP3 which addresses this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with SQL injection detection capabilities, enforcing least privilege database access controls, and conducting regular security code reviews can help prevent similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and represents a technique commonly associated with the attack pattern identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'SQL Injection' tactic. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging of database activities to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails of database access patterns that could indicate unauthorized access attempts.