CVE-2010-2543 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in include/top_graph_header.php in Cacti before 0.8.7g allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the graph_start parameter to graph.php. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incorrect fix for CVE-2009-4032.2.b.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2543 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in the Cacti network monitoring system that affects versions prior to 0.8.7g. This issue specifically targets the include/top_graph_header.php file and occurs when the graph_start parameter is passed to graph.php. The vulnerability arises from an improper implementation of a previous security fix for CVE-2009-4032, creating a regression that reintroduces XSS capabilities for remote attackers. The flaw demonstrates how security patches can sometimes create new vulnerabilities when not thoroughly tested or when they inadequately address the underlying security issue. This represents a classic example of how security remediation efforts can inadvertently introduce new attack vectors, highlighting the importance of comprehensive testing for security fixes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user input within the graph_start parameter, which flows directly into the HTML output without adequate sanitization or encoding. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious payload and submits it through this parameter, the web application fails to properly escape or validate the input before rendering it in the browser context. This allows the attacker to inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected graphs. The vulnerability specifically affects the top graph header component, meaning that any user who accesses a compromised graph page could be exposed to the malicious script execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting, and represents a significant threat to web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. An attacker could potentially steal user credentials, manipulate data displayed in the monitoring system, or use the compromised interface to launch further attacks against the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in network monitoring environments where administrators and users frequently access the system to view critical infrastructure metrics. Since Cacti is commonly used for monitoring network performance and system health, the compromised system could provide attackers with access to sensitive operational data and potentially facilitate broader network infiltration. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the risks associated with relying on incomplete security fixes.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of the Cacti system to version 0.8.7g or later, which contains the proper fix for the XSS issue. Organizations should also implement input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other parts of the application. Security teams should conduct thorough testing of all security patches to ensure they do not introduce regressions, particularly when addressing previously identified vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against similar XSS attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper security testing and validation of security fixes, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the web application security category. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools to identify potential XSS vulnerabilities in their web applications.