CVE-2018-19799 in ERP
Summary
by MITRE
Dolibarr ERP/CRM through 8.0.3 has /exports/export.php?datatoexport= XSS.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19799 affects Dolibarr ERP/CRM versions through 8.0.3 and represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability within the export functionality of the application. This issue resides in the /exports/export.php endpoint where the datatoexport parameter is improperly handled, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly encode or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing JavaScript code and passes it through the datatoexport parameter in the export.php script. When the application processes this parameter and renders it within the HTML response without adequate sanitization, the injected script executes in the context of the victim's browser session. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into web pages served to other users. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages the legitimate export functionality that users might reasonably expect to work without security concerns, making it more likely to be exploited in targeted attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the application context. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive customer data, manipulate business records, or even gain administrative privileges if the application's user roles and permissions are not properly enforced. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Dolibarr system, particularly when users with elevated privileges perform export operations. This type of vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as it allows threat actors to establish persistent access or gather intelligence about the application's internal structure and user base.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19799 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data processing pipeline. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are thoroughly validated against expected input patterns and that any data destined for output contexts is properly encoded using context-appropriate escaping mechanisms. The fix should involve updating the export.php script to sanitize the datatoexport parameter before rendering it in the HTML response, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and ensuring that the application follows secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader issues with input handling and output encoding practices within the software ecosystem. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which involves data from information repositories, suggesting that attackers may leverage such vulnerabilities to access sensitive organizational data stored within enterprise resource planning systems.