CVE-2009-4032 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Cacti 0.8.7e allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to (1) graph.php, (2) include/top_graph_header.php, (3) lib/html_form.php, and (4) lib/timespan_settings.php, as demonstrated by the (a) graph_end or (b) graph_start parameters to graph.php; (c) the date1 parameter in a tree action to graph_view.php; and the (d) page_refresh and (e) default_dual_pane_width parameters to graph_settings.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2009-4032 represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting Cacti version 0.8.7e, a widely deployed network monitoring and graphing solution. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within multiple PHP scripts that handle user-supplied data. The flaw exists across four primary files including graph.php, include/top_graph_header.php, lib/html_form.php, and lib/timespan_settings.php, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core functionality of the application. The vulnerability specifically targets parameters such as graph_end and graph_start in graph.php, date1 in tree actions to graph_view.php, and page_refresh and default_dual_pane_width in graph_settings.php, all of which are commonly used by administrators and users within the monitoring interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by injecting malicious JavaScript code or HTML content through the vulnerable parameters, which are then executed in the context of other users' browsers. The attack vectors demonstrate that the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be stored and executed. This particular vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code within victim browsers through web interface manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4032 is significant for organizations relying on Cacti for network monitoring, as successful exploitation could lead to complete session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. Since Cacti is typically deployed in network administration environments where users have elevated privileges, attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to network monitoring data and configuration settings. The vulnerability affects not just end users but also administrators who may be tricked into executing malicious scripts through crafted links or forms. Organizations using Cacti for critical infrastructure monitoring face heightened risk, as the compromised system could provide attackers with insights into network topology, performance metrics, and potential security gaps that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of Cacti to version 0.8.7f or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures across all web applications, particularly focusing on parameters that are directly incorporated into HTML output. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other applications, as the vulnerability demonstrates a common flaw in web application development practices. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and input validation libraries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in production environments. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping all monitoring and management tools updated, as outdated software represents a common entry point for attackers targeting network infrastructure.