CVE-2021-41596 in SuiteCRM
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2021
SuiteCRM before 7.10.33 and 7.11.22 allows information disclosure via Directory Traversal. An attacker can partially include arbitrary files via the importFile parameter of the RefreshMapping import functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-41596 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within SuiteCRM versions prior to 7.10.33 and 7.11.22. This security weakness resides in the import functionality of the application, specifically within the RefreshMapping component that handles file imports. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to exploit the importFile parameter to access arbitrary files on the server through partial path traversal techniques. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied file paths, creating an avenue for unauthorized data access and potential system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the RefreshMapping import functionality to process user-provided file parameters without proper authorization checks or path validation. When an attacker supplies a crafted importFile parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs, allowing the traversal to occur. This weakness is classified as a directory traversal attack pattern under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics aligned with CWE-426, which covers the execution of code or commands with elevated privileges due to untrusted input being processed without proper validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-41596 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially database credentials or application source code. This information disclosure can lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, data breach scenarios, and comprehensive system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations using SuiteCRM in production environments where the import functionality is accessible to unauthenticated or authenticated users, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable versions face risks of regulatory compliance violations and potential exposure of sensitive customer data, given that SuiteCRM is commonly used for customer relationship management in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected SuiteCRM installations to versions 7.10.33 or 7.11.22 where the directory traversal protection has been implemented. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including input validation at the application level, proper file access controls, and monitoring for suspicious import activities. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing of the patched environment to ensure no regressions in functionality while maintaining security improvements. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers and establish security monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect enterprise applications from similar traversal attacks.