CVE-2018-6308 in Community Edition
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injections exist in SugarCRM Community Edition 6.5.26 and below via the track parameter to modules\Campaigns\Tracker.php and modules\Campaigns\utils.php, the default_currency_name parameter to modules\Configurator\controller.php and modules\Currencies\Currency.php, the duplicate parameter to modules\Contacts\ShowDuplicates.php, the mergecur parameter to modules\Currencies\index.php and modules\Opportunities\Opportunity.php, and the load_signed_id parameter to modules\Documents\Document.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6308 represents a critical security flaw affecting SugarCRM Community Edition versions 6.5.26 and earlier, specifically targeting the campaign tracking functionality and configuration management components. This vulnerability manifests through multiple SQL injection vectors that allow unauthorized attackers to execute arbitrary database commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The flaw resides in the improper input validation mechanisms within the campaign tracking module, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into database queries without adequate sanitization or parameterization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the track parameter in Tracker.php and utils.php files within the modules\Campaigns directory, as well as the default_currency_name parameter in the modules\Configurator component. These parameters receive user input that flows directly into SQL query construction without proper escaping or parameter binding, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject SQL commands. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of legitimate campaign tracking functionality, making detection more challenging and allowing attackers to remain undetected while executing malicious queries against the underlying database system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6308 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, financial information, and business-critical records stored within the SugarCRM database. The attack surface is particularly concerning because campaign tracking functionality is frequently used by organizations for marketing analytics and customer engagement, meaning that exploitation could result in significant business disruption and regulatory compliance violations. Additionally, successful exploitation may allow attackers to escalate privileges, modify database schemas, or even establish persistent backdoors within the system infrastructure. This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service discovery.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6308 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect affected systems. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to SugarCRM Community Edition 6.5.27 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and parameterized query implementations. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable campaign tracking endpoints, while comprehensive monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Input validation should be enhanced at multiple layers including application code, web application firewalls, and database-level protections. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred prior to patching, while implementing automated patch management processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing of patched applications to ensure that the security fixes do not introduce regressions in functionality.