CVE-2018-6620 in Odoo
Summary
by MITRE
Odoo does not require authentication to be configured for a Backup Database action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6620 affects the Odoo enterprise resource planning platform and represents a critical security flaw in the database backup functionality. This issue stems from the absence of mandatory authentication requirements when executing database backup operations, creating a significant exposure point within the application's security architecture. The flaw allows unauthorized individuals to potentially access sensitive data through the backup mechanism, which typically contains comprehensive information about the system's database structure and content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the backup database action function within Odoo's web interface where authentication checks are either missing or improperly configured. This allows any user with access to the application's web interface to initiate database backup operations without proper verification of their credentials or authorization level. The backup process itself is designed to export database content, including potentially sensitive information about the organization's data, user accounts, and system configurations. When authentication is not required, this functionality becomes a vector for data exfiltration and system reconnaissance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as database backups often contain comprehensive information about the underlying database schema, user permissions, and system configurations. An attacker who exploits this vulnerability could gain access to detailed information about the database structure, which could then be used to plan more sophisticated attacks against the system. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that may not properly configure their network security or implement additional access controls around the Odoo application. This flaw is especially dangerous in environments where the Odoo application is accessible from untrusted networks or where administrative access is not properly segmented.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-668, which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere," and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in security design. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers "Backup Data" and highlights how adversaries can access backup systems to obtain sensitive information. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enforcing proper authentication mechanisms for all administrative functions, configuring network access controls to restrict backup functionality access, and implementing additional layers of security such as IP whitelisting for backup operations. Regular security audits should verify that all administrative functions require appropriate authentication and authorization checks, and that backup mechanisms are properly secured against unauthorized access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing comprehensive access controls for all system functions, particularly those that can expose sensitive data or system configurations.