CVE-2014-4644 in superlinks
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in superlinks.php in the superlinks plugin 1.4-2 for Cacti allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The CVE-2014-4644 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the superlinks plugin version 14-2 for the Cacti network monitoring platform. This vulnerability specifically affects the superlinks.php script which is part of the plugin's functionality for managing and displaying hyperlinks within the Cacti interface. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper handling of the id parameter in the superlinks.php script. When a user provides input through this parameter without adequate sanitization, the application directly incorporates this unsanitized data into sql queries without proper escaping or parameterization. This creates a classic sql injection vector where malicious input can alter the intended query execution flow. Attackers can craft specific payloads that, when submitted through the id parameter, cause the database to execute unintended commands with the privileges of the application's database user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the ability to perform arbitrary sql commands on the affected system. This capability enables a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to data exfiltration, unauthorized data modification, privilege escalation, and potentially full system compromise. Since Cacti is typically used for network monitoring and system management, the exploitation of this vulnerability could provide attackers with access to sensitive network information, monitoring data, and potentially allow them to manipulate the monitoring infrastructure itself. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws in software applications. The attack pattern corresponds to the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper parameterized queries and input sanitization. Organizations using Cacti should immediately apply the vendor-supplied patch or upgrade to a non-vulnerable version of the superlinks plugin. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input validation mechanisms, and regular security assessments can help mitigate the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem. The incident underscores the critical need for secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments in network monitoring and management systems.