CVE-2019-17303 in SugarCRM
Summary
by MITRE
SugarCRM before 8.0.4 and 9.x before 9.0.2 allows PHP code injection in the MergeRecords module by a Developer user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-17303 represents a critical PHP code injection flaw within the SugarCRM platform that affects versions prior to 8.0.4 and 9.0.2. This security weakness specifically targets the MergeRecords module, which is commonly used for consolidating duplicate records within the CRM system. The vulnerability enables malicious actors with Developer user privileges to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive customer data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the MergeRecords module. When a Developer user submits data through this module, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing it as PHP code. This creates an environment where malicious payloads can be injected and executed with the privileges of the web application, typically running under elevated system permissions. The flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code or commands, and represents a classic example of a code injection vulnerability that can be exploited through improper handling of untrusted data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted for organizations utilizing affected SugarCRM versions. A malicious Developer user can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, and persistence mechanisms. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only a Developer user account, which is often less strictly controlled than administrator privileges. This allows attackers to escalate their privileges and gain access to sensitive customer information, business records, and potentially other system resources. The vulnerability also enables the execution of malicious scripts that could establish backdoors, modify database content, or disrupt normal business operations.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to SugarCRM versions 8.0.4 or 9.0.2, which contain the necessary patches to prevent PHP code injection in the MergeRecords module. Additionally, access controls should be strictly enforced to limit Developer user privileges and ensure that only trusted personnel have access to critical modules. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security configurations should include input validation mechanisms and proper output encoding to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other modules. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for executing malicious code and T1078 for valid accounts, emphasizing the need for both technical and administrative controls to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred prior to patching, as the vulnerability could have been used to establish persistent access to the system.