CVE-2019-17293 in SugarCRM
Summary
by MITRE
SugarCRM before 8.0.4 and 9.x before 9.0.2 allows SQL injection in the pmse_Project module by a Regular user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17293 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the SugarCRM platform that affects versions prior to 8.0.4 and 9.0.2. This security weakness resides within the pmse_Project module, which is part of SugarCRM's process management and workflow capabilities. The vulnerability specifically impacts regular users who possess standard access privileges, making it particularly concerning as it does not require elevated privileges to exploit. The flaw allows authenticated users to inject malicious SQL code through input fields within the project management module, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. This represents a significant escalation of privileges issue where standard users can leverage the vulnerability to gain deeper access to the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the pmse_Project module's data processing routines. When regular users interact with project-related data or submit information through the module's interface, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries. This classic input validation failure creates an environment where malicious SQL commands can be executed within the database context, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and demonstrates how improper handling of user input can lead to complete database compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and business-critical information stored within the SugarCRM database.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-17293 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential system compromise and business disruption. Regular users who exploit this vulnerability can access confidential customer information, employee records, and proprietary business data that should remain protected within the SugarCRM system. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it operates within the legitimate application interface, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems. This vulnerability can facilitate further attacks by providing attackers with database access that could be used to escalate privileges, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the organization's infrastructure. The implications are especially severe for organizations handling sensitive data, as this vulnerability could lead to compliance violations under data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, beginning with immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patches for SugarCRM versions 8.0.4 and 9.0.2. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit user privileges and reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Database query auditing and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious SQL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected modules or applications within their environment. The remediation process should include user access reviews to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive modules, while also implementing proper input validation controls that align with OWASP Top Ten security practices. Continuous monitoring and regular security assessments are essential to maintain protection against similar vulnerabilities that may emerge in the future.