CVE-2023-46816 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article delves into the Server Site Template Injection vulnerability discovered in SugarCRM versions 12.0.4 and 13.0.2, allowing an attacker to inject custom PHP code via crafted requests.

Understanding CVE-2023-46816

SugarCRM versions 12.0.4 and 13.0.2 are affected by a Server Site Template Injection (SSTI) vulnerability in the GecControl action, enabling the injection of custom PHP code through unvalidated input.

What is CVE-2023-46816?

The CVE-2023-46816 vulnerability in SugarCRM enables attackers to exploit the GecControl action by injecting malicious PHP code via crafted requests, leveraging missing input validation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-46816

This vulnerability allows threat actors with regular user privileges to execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-46816

The technical details of CVE-2023-46816 include a Server Site Template Injection (SSTI) issue in SugarCRM versions 12.0.4 and 13.0.2.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation in the GecControl action, permitting the injection of custom PHP code through specially crafted requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

SugarCRM versions 12.0.4 and 13.0.2 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing systems that have not been updated to the latest versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests to the GecControl action, injecting PHP code to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-46816, immediate actions should be taken to secure SugarCRM installations against potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update SugarCRM to the latest patched versions (12.0.4 and 13.0.2).
Implement strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit system logs for any suspicious activities.
Educate users on best practices to mitigate the risk of SSTI vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by SugarCRM to fix known vulnerabilities.