CVE-2005-2149 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
config.php in Cacti 0.8.6e and earlier allows remote attackers to set the no_http_headers switch, then modify session information to gain privileges and disable the use of addslashes to conduct SQL injection attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2149 represents a critical security flaw in the Cacti network monitoring system version 0.8.6e and earlier. This issue stems from improper input validation and session management within the config.php file, which creates a pathway for remote attackers to escalate privileges and execute malicious SQL injection attacks. The vulnerability exploits a combination of configuration settings and session manipulation techniques that fundamentally compromise the integrity and security of the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of the no_http_headers switch parameter within the config.php configuration file. When this switch is set, it disables the standard HTTP header validation mechanisms that typically protect against malicious input. This configuration change, combined with the ability to modify session information, creates a dangerous environment where attackers can bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the addslashes functionality, which is a fundamental protection mechanism against SQL injection attacks. By disabling this feature, attackers can inject malicious SQL commands directly into the system's database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges from regular user access to administrative privileges within the Cacti system. This privilege escalation allows them to gain full control over the network monitoring infrastructure, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The SQL injection capability provides attackers with the means to extract sensitive data from the database, modify existing records, or even delete critical monitoring information. Given that Cacti systems often monitor critical network infrastructure, this vulnerability could result in significant operational disruption and potential data breaches.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation through configuration manipulation and credential access via SQL injection. From a CWE perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-20: Improper Input Validation and CWE-89: SQL Injection, demonstrating how configuration flaws can compound into more severe security issues. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-284: Improper Access Control, as it allows unauthorized modification of system parameters that control access and security enforcement.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the Cacti system to version 0.8.7 or later, where this specific issue has been addressed. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in the future. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact if such vulnerabilities are exploited. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration-based vulnerabilities. The configuration management process should include strict controls over parameter modifications and session handling to prevent unauthorized changes that could lead to privilege escalation.