CVE-2021-45041 in SuiteCRM
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2021
SuiteCRM before 7.12.2 and 8.x before 8.0.1 allows authenticated SQL injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45041 represents a critical authenticated sql injection flaw affecting SuiteCRM versions prior to 7.12.2 and 8.0.1. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of user input in specific database queries, creating a pathway for malicious actors who have already gained authentication credentials to execute arbitrary sql commands against the underlying database. The flaw specifically impacts the application's search and filtering functionality where user-supplied parameters are not properly sanitized before being incorporated into sql statements, allowing for the manipulation of database queries through crafted input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and parameter binding within SuiteCRM's data processing layers. When authenticated users submit search queries or filter data, the application constructs sql statements by directly concatenating user input without proper sanitization or use of prepared statements. This design flaw aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which categorizes sql injection vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient input validation. The vulnerability can be exploited by an authenticated attacker who crafts malicious input that alters the intended sql query execution path, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
Operationally this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing SuiteCRM as their customer relationship management platform. Attackers who obtain valid user credentials can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information including customer data, user credentials, and business intelligence stored in the database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the vulnerability could enable privilege escalation attacks where attackers might gain administrative access to the application and underlying database systems. This risk is particularly concerning given that SuiteCRM is widely used in enterprise environments where it often contains sensitive business data and user information. The vulnerability also aligns with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under techniques related to credential access and data manipulation.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to SuiteCRM versions 7.12.2 or 8.0.1 which contain the necessary patches addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as database query monitoring, web application firewalls, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that the sql injection vulnerability has been properly resolved while maintaining all existing functionality and user access controls.