CVE-2017-9437 in Business Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Openbravo Business Suite 3.0 is affected by SQL injection. This vulnerability could allow remote authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary SQL code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The CVE-2017-9437 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Openbravo Business Suite version 3.0, exposing organizations to significant security risks. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input within database queries, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate backend database operations. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users who can leverage their access privileges to execute malicious SQL commands against the underlying database system. The Openbravo Business Suite, widely used for enterprise resource planning and business management, becomes particularly vulnerable when processing user-supplied data through web interfaces or API endpoints that fail to properly sanitize input parameters.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter sanitization within the application's database interaction layers. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input strings that are directly incorporated into SQL query constructions without proper escaping or parameterization. This flaw typically manifests when user data enters the application through form fields, URL parameters, or API calls and is subsequently concatenated into database queries without appropriate security measures. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the intended query execution flow, potentially enabling data extraction, modification, or deletion operations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9437 extends beyond simple data compromise, creating potential for complete system takeover and business disruption. Remote authenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive business data including customer information, financial records, and proprietary business intelligence. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, meaning that attackers who have obtained legitimate user credentials can exploit this flaw without requiring additional reconnaissance or privilege escalation. Organizations using Openbravo Business Suite 3.0 face risks of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability also enables attackers to modify or delete critical business data, potentially causing operational disruption and requiring extensive recovery efforts.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary remediation approach involves implementing proper parameterized queries and prepared statements throughout the application codebase to prevent user input from being interpreted as executable SQL code. Input validation and sanitization mechanisms must be strengthened at all entry points where user data is processed, particularly in areas handling database interactions. Additionally, organizations should implement proper access controls and monitor authentication activities for suspicious behavior patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability falls under the T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol usage, and the T1005 data theft tactics. Regular security assessments, including web application firewalls and automated scanning tools, should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations must also ensure that all Openbravo installations are updated to patched versions and maintain comprehensive backup procedures to facilitate recovery in case of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in enterprise applications, particularly those handling sensitive business data.