CVE-2026-33288 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, a SQL Injection vulnerability exists in the SuiteCRM authentication mechanisms when directory support is enabled. The application fails to properly sanitize the user-supplied username before using it in a local database query. An attacker with valid, low-privilege directory credentials can exploit this to execute arbitrary SQL commands, leading to complete privilege escalation (e.g., logging in as the CRM Administrator). Versions 7.15.1 and 8.9.3 patch the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-33288 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within SuiteCRM authentication mechanisms that affects versions prior to 7.15.1 and 8.9.3. This security weakness specifically manifests when directory support is enabled within the application, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's authentication layer. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization processes that fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied credentials before incorporating them into database queries. The flaw exists in the application's handling of username parameters during the authentication process, where the system directly incorporates user input into SQL command construction without proper sanitization measures. This design oversight creates a direct avenue for attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries through crafted username inputs that contain malicious SQL payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data access manipulation, as it enables complete privilege escalation from low-privilege directory credentials to administrative control of the entire CRM system. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can effectively bypass normal authentication controls and assume the identity of the CRM administrator, gaining unrestricted access to all customer data, system configurations, and administrative functions. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only valid, low-privilege directory credentials to initiate the attack, making it particularly dangerous in environments where directory authentication is enabled. The SQL injection occurs within the local database query execution context, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary database commands that can retrieve, modify, or delete sensitive information. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.1.001 which covers valid accounts as a means of gaining access to systems.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate patching of affected SuiteCRM installations to mitigate this vulnerability, particularly in environments where directory authentication is enabled. The remediation process requires updating to versions 7.15.1 or 8.9.3 which contain the necessary code modifications to properly sanitize user input before database query execution. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring and logging controls to detect potential exploitation attempts, including monitoring for unusual authentication patterns or database query structures that may indicate SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in authentication systems and highlights the need for robust parameterized query implementations. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected SuiteCRM deployments and ensure that directory support configurations are properly evaluated for risk. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized query construction, preventing user-supplied data from being interpreted as executable SQL code. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security implications that can arise from insufficient input validation in authentication mechanisms and the potential for privilege escalation when such flaws exist in enterprise applications.