CVE-2012-3441 in Icinga
Summary
by MITRE
The database creation script (module/idoutils/db/scripts/create_mysqldb.sh) in Icinga 1.7.1 grants access to all databases to the icinga user, which allows icinga users to access other databases via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3441 resides within the database creation script of Icinga version 1.7.1, specifically in the module/idoutils/db/scripts/create_mysqldb.sh file. This flaw represents a critical misconfiguration issue that fundamentally compromises database security boundaries within the monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from the script's improper handling of database access permissions, where it inadvertently grants excessive privileges to the icinga database user account. This misconfiguration creates a dangerous situation where the icinga user, intended solely for monitoring database operations, gains unauthorized access to all databases within the MySQL server instance, violating the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure system design.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the database creation script that executes without proper privilege isolation mechanisms. When the script runs, it establishes database user accounts with overly broad permissions that extend beyond the intended monitoring scope. This flaw allows the icinga user to potentially access, read, modify, or even delete data from any database on the same MySQL server, creating a significant attack surface. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple attack paths including direct database connections, application-level interactions, or through compromised monitoring components that might leverage the elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-255, which addresses issues related to credentials that do not properly restrict access, and CWE-732, which covers inadequate permissions for critical resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly in enterprise environments where Icinga is deployed for network monitoring and system health tracking. An attacker who gains access to the icinga user account could potentially escalate privileges to access sensitive corporate data stored in other databases, including customer information, financial records, or proprietary business data. This vulnerability transforms a monitoring tool into a potential gateway for data exfiltration or lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential system integrity violations, as the attacker could modify database content or even introduce malicious code through database triggers or stored procedures. Organizations relying on Icinga for monitoring may experience significant security breaches that could go undetected for extended periods, as the monitoring system itself becomes a vector for unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through proper privilege management and access control implementation. The primary solution involves modifying the database creation script to enforce strict privilege boundaries, ensuring that the icinga user only receives access to the specific monitoring databases it requires. This approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques by preventing unauthorized access to additional database resources. Organizations should implement comprehensive database access auditing and monitoring to detect any unauthorized database connections or queries initiated by the icinga user. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that database user permissions align with the principle of least privilege, and that no unnecessary access has been granted through automated scripts or configuration files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration management practices and regular updates to monitoring tools to prevent similar issues in the future.