CVE-2014-4000 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
Cacti before 1.0.0 allows remote authenticated users to conduct PHP object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via a crafted serialized object, related to calling unserialize(stripslashes()).
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4000 represents a critical security flaw in the Cacti network monitoring system prior to version 1.0.0. This issue stems from improper handling of serialized data within the application's object serialization mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's deserialization process where user-supplied data is processed through unserialize() function without adequate sanitization or validation measures.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's insecure deserialization practices where the unserialize() function is called directly on data that has been processed through stripslashes() function. This creates a dangerous scenario where attackers can craft malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the application, trigger unintended code execution. The flaw allows authenticated users to manipulate the serialization flow by injecting specially crafted payloads that bypass normal input validation checks. This vulnerability falls under CWE-502 which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who already have legitimate access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4000 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to potentially gain full control over affected Cacti installations. Since the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, it can be exploited by compromised user accounts or insiders with legitimate privileges. The attack vector involves crafting malicious serialized objects that, when processed by the vulnerable application, can lead to arbitrary command execution, data theft, or system compromise. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for network monitoring environments where Cacti systems often contain sensitive infrastructure data and may be accessible to multiple users with varying privilege levels.
From a defensive perspective, the primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Cacti version 1.0.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures for serialized data. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Cacti systems and enforce strict access controls to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices around object serialization and deserialization, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data. Security practitioners should consider implementing application firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious deserialization patterns and alert on potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers the use of PHP for command execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive application security controls that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader exploitation patterns.