CVE-2025-52043 in ERPNext
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2025
In Frappe ERPNext v15.57.5, the function import_coa() at erpnext/accounts/doctype/chart_of_accounts_importer/chart_of_accounts_importer.py is vulnerable to SQL injection, which allows an attacker to extract all information from databases by injecting a SQL query into the company parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-52043 affects Frappe ERPNext version 15.57.5 and stems from a critical SQL injection flaw within the import_coa() function located in the chart_of_accounts_importer.py module. This function processes company parameters during chart of accounts import operations, creating an attack vector where malicious actors can inject arbitrary SQL commands through the company parameter. The flaw represents a direct violation of secure coding principles and exposes the underlying database to unauthorized data extraction attempts. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially gain access to sensitive financial data, user credentials, and other critical business information stored within the ERPNext database. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the compromised system could serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as the SQL injection could be leveraged to establish persistent access patterns. The function's lack of proper input validation and parameter sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to manipulate database queries. The company parameter, which should only accept legitimate company identifiers, becomes a conduit for malicious SQL payloads that bypass normal authentication and authorization controls. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and input validation within the ERPNext application framework. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that chart of accounts import operations are common administrative tasks that require elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for organizations relying on ERPNext for financial management.
The technical implementation of this SQL injection vulnerability occurs when the import_coa() function directly incorporates user-supplied company parameter values into SQL query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. The function likely constructs dynamic SQL statements that concatenate the company parameter directly into the query string, creating an environment where attackers can inject malicious SQL syntax. This pattern violates industry standards for secure database interaction and represents a classic SQL injection attack vector. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates within a financial application context where database access provides comprehensive visibility into organizational financial records. The specific location within the chart_of_accounts_importer module suggests that this vulnerability affects accounting data management processes that are critical for business operations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform UNION-based attacks, time-based injections, or direct command execution depending on the underlying database system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it targets an administrative function that typically operates with elevated database permissions. The attack chain begins with an authenticated user or attacker crafting malicious company parameter values that contain SQL injection payloads, which then get executed within the database context. This creates a significant risk for organizations where database access controls may not be sufficiently restrictive, potentially allowing attackers to extract complete database schemas and contents.
Organizations utilizing Frappe ERPNext v15.57.5 must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability and prevent potential data breaches. The most critical immediate action involves applying the vendor-provided security patch or upgrade to a patched version of ERPNext that addresses the SQL injection flaw in the import_coa() function. Until a permanent fix is applied, organizations should consider implementing network-level restrictions that limit access to the chart of accounts import functionality to trusted administrative users only. Database-level mitigations should include implementing strict input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application codebase, particularly in areas handling user-supplied parameters. The principle of least privilege must be enforced by ensuring that database accounts used by ERPNext have minimal required permissions and that all database interactions are properly sanitized. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in database access logs that might indicate SQL injection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block SQL injection payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review of all database interaction points to identify similar patterns that could be vulnerable to injection attacks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to validate the effectiveness of implemented mitigations. Additionally, database activity logging should be enabled to track all import operations and provide forensic capabilities should future attacks occur. The vulnerability's presence in a financial management system underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and following established security frameworks such as OWASP Application Security Verification Standard. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential data exposure events resulting from successful exploitation of this vulnerability. The complexity of financial database environments requires careful coordination between database administrators and application security teams to implement effective protections against such attacks.