CVE-2013-6875 in Nagios XI
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in functions/prepend_adm.php in Nagios Core Config Manager in Nagios XI before 2012R2.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the tfPassword parameter to nagiosql/index.php.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6875 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Nagios Core Config Manager component of Nagios XI software. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 2012R2.4 and resides within the functions/prepend_adm.php file, which is part of the administrative functionality of the system. The flaw manifests when the tfPassword parameter is passed to the nagiosql/index.php endpoint, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database through maliciously crafted input.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The flaw occurs due to insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the administrative interface. When an attacker submits a malicious tfPassword value, the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input before incorporating it into database queries, thereby enabling the execution of arbitrary SQL commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol and T1046 for Network Service Scanning, as it involves exploiting web application protocols to gain unauthorized access to backend database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary database commands remotely, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive configuration data, modify or delete critical system information, escalate privileges within the database, or even gain access to additional system resources. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on Nagios XI for network monitoring and management. The administrative interface being targeted suggests that successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the monitoring system, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of network monitoring data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6875 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Nagios XI versions to 2012R2.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous validation before being processed by database queries. The implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements should be enforced throughout the application codebase to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of administrative interfaces to trusted networks only, while regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential additional vulnerabilities. Additionally, monitoring and logging of database access patterns should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as recommended by security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for information security controls.