CVE-2023-49954
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in 3CX CRM Integration allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands by manipulating first name, search string, or email address fields. Attackers can potentially access, modify, or delete database contents. Organizations using vulnerable versions of 3CX are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- 3CX Phone System
📦 What is this software?
3cx by 3cx
3cx by 3cx
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the 3CX database, allowing data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement to connected systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive CRM data, including customer information, contact details, and potentially authentication credentials.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and database permissions, potentially only allowing data viewing without modification.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection vulnerabilities are commonly exploited. The specific exploit requires access to CRM Integration functionality.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 18.0.9.23 or 20.0.0.1494
Vendor Advisory: https://www.3cx.com/blog/releases/v18-update-9-security/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your 3CX configuration. 2. Update to version 18.0.9.23 (for v18) or 20.0.0.1494 (for v20). 3. Restart the 3CX services. 4. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable CRM Integration
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable CRM Integration component
Navigate to 3CX Management Console > Settings > CRM Integration > Disable
Input Validation Rules
allImplement strict input validation for first name, search, and email fields
Configure web application firewall rules to block SQL injection patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the 3CX server from sensitive systems
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring for SQL injection attempts on CRM endpoints
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check 3CX version in Management Console > Dashboard > System InformationCheck Version:
On Linux: sudo /usr/sbin/3CXVersionTool | grep Version. On Windows: Check Services > 3CX PhoneSystem Management Console propertiesVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 18.0.9.23 or higher (for v18) or 20.0.0.1494 or higher (for v20)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs
- Multiple failed login attempts via CRM Integration
- Unexpected database schema changes
Network Indicators:
- SQL injection patterns in HTTP requests to CRM endpoints
- Unusual outbound database connections from 3CX server
SIEM Query:
source="3cx_logs" AND ("sql" OR "injection" OR "crm" AND "error")