CVE-2014-4002 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Cacti 0.8.8b allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) drp_action parameter to cdef.php, (2) data_input.php, (3) data_queries.php, (4) data_sources.php, (5) data_templates.php, (6) graph_templates.php, (7) graphs.php, (8) host.php, or (9) host_templates.php or the (10) graph_template_input_id or (11) graph_template_id parameter to graph_templates_inputs.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4002 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Cacti network monitoring platform version 0.8.8b. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within multiple administrative PHP scripts that handle data processing and user interactions. The flaw affects several core components of the Cacti system including configuration management, data source handling, and graph template operations, making it a significant concern for network administrators who rely on this monitoring solution. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications, where improper validation of user-supplied data allows malicious scripts to be executed in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of specific HTTP parameters that are processed by various PHP scripts within the Cacti application. Attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code through parameters such as drp_action in cdef.php, or through data_input.php, data_queries.php, data_sources.php, data_templates.php, graph_templates.php, graphs.php, host.php, and host_templates.php. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to graph_templates_inputs.php where graph_template_input_id and graph_template_id parameters can be manipulated to execute malicious code. These parameters are typically used for administrative operations within the Cacti interface, making them prime targets for exploitation as they are often processed with insufficient sanitization before being rendered back to users. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input filtering and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks according to industry security standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code in the browsers of authenticated users who interact with the compromised Cacti system. This could enable attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, redirect users to malicious sites, or even gain full control over the monitoring platform. Given that Cacti is commonly used for network infrastructure monitoring, successful exploitation could provide attackers with visibility into network operations, potentially exposing sensitive network topology information, performance metrics, and system configurations. The vulnerability affects both regular users and administrators since the XSS occurs in administrative interfaces where privileged operations are performed, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4002 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Cacti version to the latest available security updates from the vendor. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures across all user-supplied parameters, ensuring that all data entering the system is properly sanitized before processing or display. The implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts even if the vulnerability is exploited. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, particularly for administrative interfaces. Regular security audits of web applications should include thorough testing for XSS vulnerabilities using automated scanning tools and manual penetration testing techniques. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining updated software versions and implementing proper security monitoring to detect anomalous user behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct regular security training for administrators to recognize and respond to potential XSS attack vectors.