CVE-2008-0784 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
graph.php in Cacti 0.8.7 before 0.8.7b and 0.8.6 before 0.8.6k allows remote attackers to obtain the full path via an invalid local_graph_id parameter and other unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0784 affects Cacti monitoring software versions prior to specific patch releases, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths to remote attackers. This issue resides within the graph.php component of the application, which serves as the primary interface for generating and displaying network monitoring graphs. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes an invalid local_graph_id parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to extract sensitive path information from the server. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-209, which describes improper handling of error messages that may reveal sensitive information about the system environment, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information through error responses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms for the local_graph_id parameter, which is typically used to identify specific graph templates within the Cacti database. When an attacker submits an invalid or malformed local_graph_id value, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before processing it, resulting in error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute file path of the Cacti installation directory. This path disclosure occurs through the application's error handling routine, where unfiltered error messages are returned to the client without proper sanitization. The vulnerability extends beyond simple path exposure as it may also involve other unspecified vectors that could potentially lead to further exploitation, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient error handling and input validation that directly violates security best practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as path disclosure can provide attackers with crucial information for subsequent exploitation attempts. Once an attacker obtains the full system path, they can better understand the application's directory structure, file locations, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities within the system. This information can be leveraged to craft more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal exploits or privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability affects both Cacti 0.8.7 versions prior to 0.8.7b and 0.8.6 versions prior to 0.8.6k, indicating that the flaw existed across multiple release branches and affected a substantial user base. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation requires no local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for network monitoring environments where Cacti servers are often exposed to external networks. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard web application attacks, making it accessible to threat actors with basic web security knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0784 primarily involve applying the vendor-provided patches that address the input validation and error handling issues within graph.php. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Cacti versions 0.8.7b or 0.8.6k, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent path disclosure. The patch implementation should include comprehensive input validation for all parameters, particularly those related to graph identification and database queries. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper error handling that does not expose system paths or internal application details to external users. Security configurations should include disabling detailed error messages in production environments and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the Cacti application to unauthorized users. The remediation process should also include reviewing other components of the application for similar vulnerabilities, as this flaw demonstrates a pattern of insufficient input validation that may exist elsewhere in the codebase. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to ensure that all instances of the vulnerable code have been properly patched and that no other similar issues remain unaddressed.