CVE-2020-28328 – This vulnerability in SuiteCRM allows remote co... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2020-28328?

CVE-2020-28328 has a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). This vulnerability in SuiteCRM allows remote code execution by manipulating the Log File Name setting to point to an attacker-controlled PHP file. It requires admin account takeover first, then enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server. Organizations running vulnerable SuiteCRM versions are affected.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in SuiteCRM allows remote code execution by manipulating the Log File Name setting to point to an attacker-controlled PHP file. It requires admin account takeover first, then enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server. Organizations running vulnerable SuiteCRM versions are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

SuiteCRM

Versions: All versions before 7.11.17

Operating Systems: All platforms running SuiteCRM

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires admin account compromise first, then exploitation of the vulnerable logger_file_name setting.

📦 What is this software?

Suitecrm by Salesagility

View all CVEs affecting Suitecrm →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete server compromise leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or use as a foothold for lateral movement within the network.

🟠

Likely Case

Webshell installation allowing persistent access, data exfiltration, and further exploitation of the compromised system.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact due to proper access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring preventing successful admin takeover.

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Internet-facing SuiteCRM instances are primary targets for exploitation attempts.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal instances still at risk from insider threats or compromised internal accounts.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: CONFIRMED

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires two-step attack: first compromise admin credentials, then exploit the vulnerable setting. Multiple public exploit scripts exist.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 7.11.17 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://suitecrm.com/suitecrm-7-11-17-7-10-28-lts-versions-released/

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Backup your SuiteCRM instance and database. 2. Download SuiteCRM 7.11.17 or later from the official website. 3. Follow the SuiteCRM upgrade documentation to apply the patch. 4. Verify the upgrade completed successfully.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict admin access

all

Implement strict access controls for admin accounts including MFA, IP whitelisting, and strong password policies.

File permission hardening

linux

Restrict write permissions to web directories and implement file integrity monitoring.

chmod -R 755 /path/to/suitecrm/
chown -R www-data:www-data /path/to/suitecrm/

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious file write attempts to PHP files
Enable detailed logging and monitoring for admin account activity and file system changes

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check SuiteCRM version in admin panel or via config.php file. Versions below 7.11.17 are vulnerable.

Check Version:

Check config.php for 'suitecrm_version' or view in Admin → System Settings → System Information

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify version is 7.11.17 or higher and check that the logger_file_name setting cannot be modified to point to arbitrary PHP files.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual admin login attempts
Modifications to config.php or logger settings
Unexpected PHP file creation in web directories

Network Indicators:

POST requests to admin settings with file path manipulation
Unusual outbound connections from web server

SIEM Query:

source="suitecrm.log" AND ("admin login" OR "config.php" OR "logger_file_name")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2020-28328

CVSS v3 Score: 8.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-434

Published: November 6, 2020

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159937/SuiteCRM-7.11.15-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit,Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162975/SuiteCRM-Log-File-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit,Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/165001/SuiteCRM-7.11.18-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit,Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://github.com/mcorybillington/SuiteCRM-RCE Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://suitecrm.com/suitecrm-7-11-17-7-10-28-lts-versions-released/ Release Notes,Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159937/SuiteCRM-7.11.15-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit,Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162975/SuiteCRM-Log-File-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit,Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/165001/SuiteCRM-7.11.18-Remote-Code-Execution.html Exploit,Third Party Advisory,VDB Entry
https://github.com/mcorybillington/SuiteCRM-RCE Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://suitecrm.com/suitecrm-7-11-17-7-10-28-lts-versions-released/ Release Notes,Vendor Advisory

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