CVE-2014-2332 in Check_MK
Summary
by MITRE
Check_MK before 1.2.2p3 and 1.2.3x before 1.2.3i5 allows remote authenticated users to delete arbitrary files via a request to an unspecified link, related to "Insecure Direct Object References." NOTE: this can be exploited by remote attackers by leveraging CVE-2014-2330.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2332 represents a critical security flaw in Check_MK monitoring software versions prior to 1.2.2p3 and 1.2.3x versions before 1.2.3i5. This issue manifests as an insecure direct object reference vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers to perform unauthorized file deletion operations. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly validate user input before processing file operations, allowing malicious actors to manipulate object references and gain access to unintended system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by remote attackers who leverage the related CVE-2014-2330 to establish initial access to the system. This creates a chain of exploitation where the initial compromise from CVE-2014-2330 serves as a prerequisite for executing the file deletion attack described in CVE-2014-2332.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the Check_MK web interface. When legitimate users make requests to unspecified links within the application, the system does not properly verify whether the authenticated user has appropriate permissions to perform the requested file deletion operations. This insecure direct object reference pattern allows attackers to manipulate parameters that control file access, potentially enabling them to delete files outside of their intended scope. The vulnerability specifically affects the file management functionality of Check_MK, which is commonly used for network monitoring and system administration tasks. The lack of proper authorization checks means that authenticated users can potentially exploit this weakness to target files that should be restricted to administrators or system-level access only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities and can result in significant system compromise and data loss. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can potentially remove critical monitoring files, configuration data, or even system binaries that are essential for the proper functioning of the Check_MK infrastructure. This could lead to complete system outages, loss of monitoring capabilities, and potential data corruption. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2014-2330 indicates that it operates within a broader attack chain where initial access is gained through a different vulnerability before escalating to file deletion operations. This chaining of vulnerabilities demonstrates how seemingly isolated security flaws can combine to create more severe attack vectors. Organizations using affected Check_MK versions face the risk of unauthorized system modifications that could compromise their entire monitoring infrastructure and potentially provide attackers with persistence mechanisms within their networks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Check_MK versions 1.2.2p3 or 1.2.3i5, which contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also review and tighten access controls for Check_MK web interfaces, implementing additional authentication measures and monitoring for suspicious file operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-639, which describes insecure direct object references, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in access control implementations. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers can manipulate system files to maintain persistence or hide their activities. Regular security audits of monitoring systems and proper input validation practices should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other applications. The incident underscores the importance of comprehensive security testing, particularly for web applications handling system-level operations, and highlights the need for proper access control mechanisms in all software components that interact with critical system resources.