CVE-2013-4215 in Nagios
Summary
by MITRE
The IPXPING_COMMAND in contrib/check_ipxping.c in Nagios Plugins 1.4.16 allows local users to gain privileges via a symlink attack on /tmp/ipxping/ipxping.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4215 represents a privilege escalation flaw within the Nagios Plugins suite version 1.4.16, specifically within the IPXPING_COMMAND functionality located in contrib/check_ipxping.c. This issue stems from improper handling of temporary files during the execution of network monitoring checks, creating a dangerous symlink attack vector that local adversaries can exploit to elevate their system privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-377 as "Insecure Temporary File" and aligns with CWE-276 which addresses "Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources" in the context of temporary file handling.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the ipxping monitoring utility creates temporary files in the /tmp/ipxping directory without proper security measures to prevent symbolic link attacks. When local users can manipulate the symbolic links in this temporary directory, they can redirect the execution flow to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability operates through a classic race condition attack pattern where the attacker creates a symbolic link that points to a critical system file or executable, which the legitimate ipxping process then attempts to access and potentially modify. The attack leverages the principle of least privilege violation by allowing unprivileged users to manipulate temporary file locations that should be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within monitored network environments. In enterprise settings where Nagios is used for critical infrastructure monitoring, this vulnerability can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive monitoring data, potentially allowing them to manipulate system alerts, disable monitoring capabilities, or establish backdoors. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be automated, making it attractive to both malicious actors and security researchers. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1548.001 "Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism" as it exploits the system's privilege management controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4215 should focus on implementing proper temporary file handling practices and privilege separation mechanisms. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to Nagios Plugins version 1.4.17 or later where the vulnerability has been patched through proper temporary file creation methods that prevent symbolic link attacks. System administrators should also implement restrictive permissions on temporary directories and consider using secure temporary file creation functions that are resistant to race conditions. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unauthorized symbolic link creation in temporary directories and implementing mandatory access controls that prevent local users from manipulating critical system paths. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices in network monitoring tools and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in temporary file handling can lead to significant security breaches. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their monitoring infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other third-party tools that may be running with elevated privileges.