CVE-2012-3448 in Ganglia-web
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Ganglia Web before 3.5.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via unknown attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3448 represents a critical security flaw in the Ganglia Web component prior to version 3.5.1, exposing systems to potential remote code execution attacks. Ganglia is a scalable distributed monitoring system designed to monitor large clusters of computers, making it a crucial component in enterprise IT infrastructure management. This unspecified vulnerability creates a dangerous attack surface that could allow remote adversaries to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors in the original description suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for security professionals who must consider various attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Ganglia Web interface, which processes user-supplied data through PHP scripts. When users interact with the web interface, data flows through various parameters and input fields that are not properly validated before being processed by the underlying PHP engine. This allows attackers to inject malicious PHP code through carefully crafted inputs that bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability falls under the category of code injection flaws, specifically aligning with CWE-94 - "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and potentially CWE-74 - "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')". The attack vector likely involves manipulation of web parameters, form inputs, or file upload mechanisms that are processed by PHP without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3448 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation could result in complete system takeover and persistent backdoor access. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish remote command execution capabilities, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or use of compromised systems for further attacks against the broader network infrastructure. Organizations relying on Ganglia for cluster monitoring would face significant operational disruption, as the vulnerability could be exploited to manipulate monitoring data, hide malicious activities, or gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where cluster monitoring systems serve as foundational components for operational oversight and security incident response. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" and T1078 - "Valid Accounts" as attackers could leverage the compromised system to maintain persistence and escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3448 require immediate action to upgrade to Ganglia Web version 3.5.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures that address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to monitoring systems, deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conduct thorough security assessments of all web interfaces. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation at multiple layers, disabling unnecessary PHP functions, and establishing robust monitoring for suspicious activities. Security teams should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regularly reviewing access logs for signs of unauthorized activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping monitoring systems updated and secure, as these components often serve as attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries seeking to compromise enterprise infrastructure. Organizations must also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their security posture, as it represents a failure in input validation that could affect similar systems and applications within their environment.