CVE-2010-4278 in Pandora FMS
Summary
by MITRE
operation/agentes/networkmap.php in Pandora FMS before 3.1.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the layout parameter in an operation/agentes/networkmap action to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4278 affects Pandora FMS versions prior to 3.1.1 and represents a critical command injection flaw within the network mapping functionality. This vulnerability exists in the operation/agentes/networkmap.php component where the layout parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, creating an avenue for remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The flaw specifically manifests when users navigate to the operation/agentes/networkmap action through index.php, where maliciously crafted input containing shell metacharacters can be exploited to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the Pandora FMS application codebase. When the layout parameter is passed through the networkmap.php script, the application fails to properly escape or filter special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that could be used to chain commands. This primitive yet dangerous flaw allows attackers who have already established authentication credentials to escalate their privileges and execute system commands with the privileges of the web application user. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that handle user-supplied data in system calls or shell executions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution capabilities as it provides attackers with persistent access to the underlying system infrastructure. An authenticated attacker can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, install backdoors, or conduct further attacks within the network environment. The attack vector requires only that the attacker possess valid credentials to access the Pandora FMS interface, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where user access controls may be insufficient or where credentials are compromised through other means. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the use of shell commands to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Pandora FMS application to version 3.1.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious command injection patterns. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system. The remediation process should also include monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts and implementing proper logging mechanisms to track command execution activities within the application.