CVE-2011-4824 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in auth_login.php in Cacti before 0.8.7h allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the login_username parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
The CVE-2011-4824 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in the Cacti network monitoring system, specifically within the auth_login.php component. This vulnerability affects Cacti versions prior to 0.8.7h and exposes the system to remote code execution through improper input validation. The flaw occurs when the login_username parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands directly into the authentication flow. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the core authentication mechanism, potentially enabling attackers to bypass login screens entirely or escalate privileges within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and parameter sanitization within the authentication module. When users attempt to log in, the system processes the login_username parameter directly without proper escaping or validation, creating an environment where SQL injection attacks can succeed. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that manipulate the SQL query structure, potentially extracting database contents, modifying user credentials, or even executing system commands if the underlying database system permits such operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4824 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over the monitoring infrastructure. Network administrators who rely on Cacti for system monitoring face significant risks when this vulnerability exists, as attackers could potentially access sensitive network data, modify monitoring configurations, or even use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Cacti is used to monitor critical infrastructure components, as it could lead to complete system compromise. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploits for execution through SQL injection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Cacti installations to version 0.8.7h or later, as this release includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Cacti systems, enforce strong authentication mechanisms, and monitor for suspicious login attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block SQL injection attempts, conducting regular security assessments of monitoring systems, and establishing proper input validation protocols across all application components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper database access controls to prevent unauthorized data manipulation.