CVE-2026-54524 in HRMS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/17/2026
Frappe HR is an open-source human resources management solution (HRMS). Prior to 16.7.0, an authenticated user with the HR User role can inject SQL through filters in the Salary Payments Based on Payment Mode report. In hrms/payroll/report/salary_payments_based_on_payment_mode/salary_payments_based_on_payment_mode.py, get_conditions constructs filter clauses from user-controlled values and get_data incorporates those clauses into a string-formatted SQL query, allowing extraction of arbitrary database data. This issue is fixed in 16.7.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2026
Frappe HR represents an open-source human resources management solution designed to streamline payroll processing and employee data administration. Within this ecosystem, the Salary Payments Based on Payment Mode report serves as a critical tool for financial oversight, allowing administrators to view salary disbursements categorized by their payment methods. However, prior to version 16.7.0, a significant security vulnerability existed within the backend logic of this specific report module. The flaw resides in the Python file hrms/payroll/report/salary_payments_based_on_payment_mode/salary_payments_based_on_payment_mode.py, specifically affecting how filter conditions are constructed and executed against the database.
The core technical deficiency lies in the get_conditions function, which is responsible for building SQL WHERE clauses based on user-supplied input from report filters. In versions prior to 16.7.0, this function failed to adequately sanitize or parameterize these inputs before passing them into the query construction process. Instead of using safe database API methods that separate code from data, the system incorporated raw, unvalidated filter values directly into a string-formatted SQL statement via Python's format strings or concatenation mechanisms. This architectural oversight creates a classic SQL injection vector where an attacker can manipulate the structure of the executed SQL command by injecting malicious syntax through the report's filtering interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for any organization relying on Frappe HR, particularly because it requires authentication with at least the HR User role to exploit. An authenticated user possessing these privileges can craft specific filter inputs that terminate the intended query logic and append arbitrary SQL commands. This capability allows the attacker to extract sensitive data from the database beyond what was originally requested by the report interface. Depending on the underlying database engine and configuration, this could lead to the exposure of employee personal information, financial records, payroll details, or even administrative credentials stored within the same database schema. The ability to read arbitrary data compromises the confidentiality integrity of the entire HRMS platform.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which defines Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command, commonly known as SQL Injection. It also maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically sub-technique 004 for command scripting or database query injection, and falls under the initial access or discovery phases depending on whether it is used to pivot further into the system or simply exfiltrate data. The vulnerability highlights a common pitfall in web application development where dynamic SQL generation relies too heavily on string manipulation rather than parameterized queries prepared statements provided by modern database drivers.
To mitigate this risk, organizations must immediately upgrade their Frappe HR instances to version 16.7.0 or later, as the developers have addressed this flaw in that release. The fix likely involves refactoring the get_conditions and get_data functions to utilize parameterized query methods supported by the underlying ORM or database driver, ensuring that user inputs are treated strictly as data rather than executable code. Until an upgrade is performed, administrators should consider restricting access to the Salary Payments Based on Payment Mode report to only those users who absolutely require it, thereby reducing the attack surface available to potential insiders with HR User privileges. Regular security audits and static analysis of custom Frappe apps can help identify similar patterns in other modules where dynamic SQL construction might be occurring without proper sanitization.