CVE-2026-29099 in SuiteCRM
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2026
SuiteCRM is an open-source, enterprise-ready Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software application. Prior to versions 7.15.1 and 8.9.3, the `retrieve()` function in `include/OutboundEmail/OutboundEmail.php` fails to properly neutralize the user controlled `$id` parameter. It is assumed that the function calling `retrieve()` will appropriately quote and sanitize the user input. However, two locations have been identified that can be reached through the `EmailUIAjax` action on the `Email()` module where this is not the case. As such, it is possible for an authenticated user to perform SQL injection through the `retrieve()` function. This affects the latest major versions 7.15 and 8.9. As there do not appear to be restrictions on which tables can be called, it would be possible for an attacker to retrieve arbitrary information from the database, including user information and password hashes. Versions 7.15.1 and 8.9.3 patch the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2026-29099 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in SuiteCRM versions prior to 7.15.1 and 8.9.3, specifically within the `retrieve()` function located in `include/OutboundEmail/OutboundEmail.php`. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of the user-controlled `$id` parameter, creating a dangerous attack vector for authenticated users. The flaw manifests when the `retrieve()` function is called through the `EmailUIAjax` action on the `Email()` module, where proper input quoting and sanitization procedures are bypassed, allowing malicious input to propagate directly into database queries. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the absence of table access restrictions, enabling attackers to target any database table within the application's schema. This architectural weakness permits unauthorized data extraction, including sensitive user information and potentially password hashes, fundamentally compromising the system's data integrity and confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which classifies SQL injection as a persistent weakness in software applications. The flaw operates through the principle of insufficient input validation, where the application fails to properly neutralize user-supplied data before incorporating it into database queries. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate the `$id` parameter to inject malicious SQL commands, bypassing normal authorization checks and gaining unauthorized access to database resources. The attack surface extends across multiple system components since the `retrieve()` function can be invoked from two distinct locations within the Email module's AJAX interface, providing multiple entry points for exploitation. This multi-path vulnerability increases the likelihood of successful exploitation while reducing the complexity required for attackers to achieve their objectives. The vulnerability's impact is further magnified by the fact that it affects the latest major versions 7.15 and 8.9, indicating a significant gap in the application's security posture that persisted across critical releases.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to SuiteCRM deployments, as it allows authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary database queries without proper authorization. The ability to extract user information and password hashes from the database constitutes a critical breach of data confidentiality and system integrity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, gain persistent access to the system, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised through social engineering or credential theft attacks. The lack of input validation in the affected code paths creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly until the vulnerability is patched. Organizations using SuiteCRM in production environments face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences if this vulnerability is exploited successfully.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2026-29099 involves upgrading to SuiteCRM versions 7.15.1 or 8.9.3, which contain the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Security teams should prioritize this upgrade as a critical maintenance task, ensuring that all production instances are updated promptly to eliminate the attack vector. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures, including parameterized queries and proper escaping of user inputs, to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the application. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) and T1566 (Phishing) highlights the importance of network monitoring and user awareness training to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their SuiteCRM installations, reviewing all database access points and implementing proper access controls to minimize the potential impact of future vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the application's codebase, ensuring comprehensive protection against SQL injection attacks and maintaining overall system security posture.