Dolibarr is an open-source ERP and CRM widely used to manage business, accounting, and administrative processes. Like any enterprise management software, Dolibarr can be exposed to vulnerabilities if security measures are not properly implemented.

A security audit helps identify system weaknesses, protect sensitive data, and optimize security settings. This article explains how to conduct a security audit on Dolibarr and the actions to take to fix any detected vulnerabilities.

1. Why Perform a Security Audit on Dolibarr?

A security audit aims to identify vulnerabilities and improve system protection. It helps prevent cyberattacks, data breaches, and misconfigurations that could compromise the integrity of Dolibarr.

Common threats include brute force attacks, exploitation of security flaws, server misconfigurations, and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Regular audits help anticipate these threats and ensure effective protection.

2. Identifying Critical Security Points in Dolibarr

A security audit starts with an in-depth analysis of the following elements:

• User management and permissions.
• Server and database configuration.
• Software and module updates.
• Securing connections and access.
• Backup management and data recovery.

User Management and Permissions

Dolibarr allows assigning specific roles and permissions to users. Misconfigured permissions can lead to unauthorized access to certain functionalities or sensitive data.

It is essential to ensure that each user has only the necessary access for their tasks. Using user groups simplifies rights management and reduces errors.

Server and Database Configuration

A poorly configured server can be vulnerable to attacks. The audit should include a verification of server settings, particularly:

• Enabling HTTPS to secure communications.
• Restricting SSH and FTP access to authorized IP addresses only.
• Configuring firewalls and security rules.
• Optimizing database settings to prevent SQL injection attacks.

Software and Module Updates

Dolibarr evolves continuously with security updates and bug fixes. Using an outdated version exposes the system to known vulnerabilities.

It is recommended to regularly check for available updates and install new versions as soon as they are released. This also applies to external modules, which must be updated to prevent security breaches.

Securing Connections and Access

Brute force attacks aimed at guessing passwords are common. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to:

• Require the use of complex passwords and enforce regular password updates.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Limit the number of failed login attempts to block automated attacks.
• Disable inactive accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

Backup Management and Data Recovery

A security audit should include an evaluation of the backup system. Regular backups ensure data recovery in case of an incident or cyberattack.

It is recommended to:

• Set up automated backups and store them on a secure remote server.
• Regularly test backup restoration to ensure reliability.
• Encrypt backup files to prevent their exploitation in case of theft.

3. Tools and Methods for Auditing Dolibarr Security

A security audit can be conducted using various tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities and assess the system's robustness.

Log Analysis and System Monitoring

Dolibarr logs contain valuable information on login attempts, file modifications, and system errors. Regular log analysis helps detect suspicious activities and respond quickly to anomalies.

Enabling notifications for failed login attempts or unauthorized modifications can improve responsiveness to threats.

Penetration Testing (Pentesting)

Penetration tests simulate attacks on Dolibarr to identify security vulnerabilities. These tests can include:

• Analyzing vulnerabilities in installed modules and extensions.
• Checking resistance to SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
• Simulating brute force attacks to test authentication mechanisms.

Tools like OpenVAS, OWASP ZAP, or Nikto can be used to detect potential vulnerabilities.

Audit of Configurations and Sensitive Files

It is important to ensure that Dolibarr configuration files do not contain publicly accessible sensitive information.

• The conf.php file should not be modifiable by unauthorized users.
• File permissions must be correctly set to prevent the execution of malicious scripts.
• Access to APIs and web services should be restricted to trusted applications.

4. Fixing Detected Security Vulnerabilities

Once vulnerabilities are identified, corrective measures must be implemented to strengthen Dolibarr’s security.

Updating and Fixing Vulnerabilities

• Apply Dolibarr and installed module updates immediately.
• Disable and remove outdated or insecure modules.
• Follow recommendations from Dolibarr security bulletins.

Strengthening Server Configuration

• Modify PHP settings to disable dangerous functions like allow_url_fopen.
• Configure a firewall to block suspicious connections.
• Restrict SSH access to authorized IP addresses only.

Optimizing Access Policies and Permissions

• Review user permissions to ensure that no excessive access is granted.
• Enable user action logging to facilitate the detection of abnormal behavior.
• Implement a strict password management policy.

Conclusion

Performing a Dolibarr security audit is essential to ensure data protection and system reliability. By identifying and fixing potential vulnerabilities, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and ensure a secure environment for users.

Regular audits and continuous vigilance help anticipate threats and adopt best practices to secure the Dolibarr installation. Automating updates, monitoring logs, and enforcing strict security policies are key to effective protection.