CVE-2017-9840 in ERP
Summary
by MITRE
Dolibarr ERP/CRM 5.0.3 and prior allows low-privilege users to upload files of dangerous types, which can result in arbitrary code execution within the context of the vulnerable application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9840 affects Dolibarr ERP/CRM versions 5.0.3 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the application's file upload validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user-uploaded files, creating a pathway for malicious actors with low privilege accounts to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw resides in the application's insufficient input validation and sanitization processes, allowing attackers to upload files with potentially harmful extensions that can be executed within the application's context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file type checking and validation routines within the Dolibarr application's upload functionality. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious files with extensions that are not properly filtered or restricted, enabling them to execute code on the server hosting the vulnerable application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who normally have limited access rights within the system. This flaw essentially creates a backdoor that allows attackers to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of Dolibarr ERP/CRM, as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication. The potential consequences include unauthorized data access, system compromise, data exfiltration, and the possibility of establishing persistent backdoors within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors, including web-based interfaces and potentially automated scanning tools that specifically target known weaknesses in ERP/CRM systems. Organizations relying on this software for business-critical operations face significant exposure to cyber threats that could result in financial losses, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which addresses the insecure upload of executable files, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Default Accounts" when attackers leverage compromised systems. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Dolibarr, implementing robust file type validation, restricting upload permissions, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload activities. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of file upload operations can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing and code review to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the application or related systems.