CVE-2002-1478 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
Cacti before 0.6.8 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the "Data Input" option in console mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1478 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Cacti network monitoring system prior to version 0.6.8. This vulnerability exists in the Data Input functionality when operating in console mode, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the console interface, where user-supplied data is directly processed without proper security controls. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Data Input option within Cacti's console mode, where attackers can manipulate input parameters to inject shell commands. The flaw operates at the input validation layer, where the system fails to properly sanitize user-provided data before processing it within the execution context. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and CWE-94 which addresses execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection pattern where untrusted input flows directly into system execution functions without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1478 extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to the monitored network infrastructure. Since Cacti typically runs with web server privileges, successful exploitation can lead to data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Cacti for network monitoring, potentially compromising the integrity of their network monitoring data and exposing sensitive infrastructure information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, install malware, or perform reconnaissance activities that could go undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to Cacti version 0.6.8 or later, which contains patches addressing the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Cacti consoles and restrict administrative privileges to only necessary personnel. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious command injection attempts, conducting regular security audits of monitoring systems, and establishing proper input validation controls throughout the application. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the importance of restricting command execution capabilities and monitoring for suspicious process creation patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network monitoring tools and systems.