CVE-2013-2131 in rrdtool module
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the rrdtool module 1.4.7 for Python, as used in Zenoss, allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via format string specifiers to the rrdtool.graph function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2131 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the rrdtool module version 1.4.7 for Python, which is extensively utilized by Zenoss monitoring platforms. This flaw exists in the rrdtool.graph function where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject format string specifiers that can manipulate the program's execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where Zenoss is deployed with the affected rrdtool module version, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by context-dependent adversaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the module's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing it through the graph function. When format string specifiers are passed to the rrdtool.graph function, the underlying code does not adequately validate or escape these inputs, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can trigger undefined behavior. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 category, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where format strings are constructed from user-controlled data. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the program's memory layout and potentially cause application crashes or more severe system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can be leveraged to cause complete application crashes that disrupt monitoring services critical to system administration. In Zenoss environments, this vulnerability could lead to complete monitoring outages, leaving administrators blind to system health and performance issues. Attackers could repeatedly exploit this weakness to maintain persistent service disruption, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where continuous monitoring is essential. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that exploitation requires specific conditions related to how the rrdtool.graph function is invoked within the Zenoss framework, but once achieved, the impact can be severe.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2131 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected rrdtool module to version 1.4.8 or later, which includes proper input validation and format string handling. Organizations should implement input sanitization measures at the application level to prevent user-supplied data from reaching the vulnerable graph function directly. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit potential attack vectors, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns in graph generation requests. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, emphasizing the need for both defensive measures and incident response preparedness. Additionally, implementing proper code review processes that focus on input validation and format string handling can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles.