CVE-2018-8047 in vTiger
Summary
by MITRE
vtiger CRM 7.0.1 is affected by one reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting version 7.0.1 and probably prior versions. This vulnerability could allow remote unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via index.php?module=Contacts&view=List (app parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8047 affects vtiger CRM version 7.0.1 and potentially earlier releases, representing a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw that compromises web application security. This vulnerability exists within the contact management module of the CRM system, specifically in the index.php endpoint where the app parameter is processed without adequate input sanitization or output encoding. The reflected nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious payloads are injected into the application through user-supplied input that is immediately reflected back to the user's browser without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the app parameter of the Contacts view list endpoint. When an unsuspecting user clicks such a link, the malicious script executes within the victim's browser context, leveraging the authenticated session of the user. This allows attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability specifically targets the module=Contacts&view=List parameter combination where the app parameter is not properly sanitized before being rendered in the web response, creating a direct vector for script injection attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using vtiger CRM 7.0.1 as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser. The impact extends beyond simple script execution to potential data exfiltration, session manipulation, and establishment of persistent attack vectors. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal sensitive customer data, manipulate contact records, or gain unauthorized access to the CRM system. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no prior credentials are required, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who can convince a user to click a malicious link.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in URL query strings. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameter sanitization using established security libraries and frameworks that can neutralize malicious input before it is processed or rendered. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block known XSS attack patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a typical example of how improper input validation can lead to severe security consequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing via Social Media) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) as attackers would typically use social engineering to deliver malicious payloads and JavaScript-based attacks to exploit the vulnerability. The remediation strategy should include immediate patching of the affected version, implementation of comprehensive input validation mechanisms, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the CRM system.