CVE-2019-17307 in SugarCRM
Summary
by MITRE
SugarCRM before 8.0.4 and 9.x before 9.0.2 allows PHP code injection in the Tracker module by an Admin user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17307 represents a critical PHP code injection flaw within the SugarCRM platform that affects versions prior to 8.0.4 and 9.0.2. This vulnerability exists within the Tracker module and specifically targets administrative users who possess elevated privileges. The flaw allows authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, effectively providing them with complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the tracking functionality that processes user-supplied data without proper security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the Tracker module's handling of user input parameters that are directly incorporated into PHP execution contexts. When an administrator interacts with the tracking features, malicious code can be injected into parameters that are subsequently processed by the PHP interpreter. This injection occurs because the system fails to properly validate or sanitize data before it is passed to PHP execution functions, creating an environment where crafted input can be interpreted and executed as legitimate code. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-94, which describes the improper execution of code due to inadequate input validation and sanitization. This flaw operates at the intersection of multiple attack vectors within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly mapping to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution and T1078 for valid accounts as administrators can leverage their elevated privileges to exploit this weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for organizations utilizing affected SugarCRM versions. An attacker with administrative access can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges beyond existing administrative access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by insiders or attackers who have already gained administrative credentials. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, modification of business processes, or complete system takeover. The attack surface extends to all functionalities within the Tracker module that accept user input, creating multiple potential entry points for exploitation. This vulnerability also represents a significant risk to compliance and regulatory requirements, as it could enable unauthorized data access that violates data protection regulations.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected SugarCRM installations to versions 8.0.4 or 9.0.2 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit administrative access to only necessary personnel, reducing the attack surface. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious input patterns, conducting regular security audits of the Tracker module, and establishing privileged access management controls. The patching process should include thorough testing to ensure that the update does not introduce regressions in other system functionalities. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous code execution patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing code injection vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other modules or third-party components that may present similar attack vectors.