CVE-2014-5339 in Check Mk
Summary
by MITRE
Check_MK before 1.2.4p4 and 1.2.5 before 1.2.5i4 allows remote authenticated users to write check_mk config files (.mk files) to arbitrary locations via vectors related to row selections.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5339 affects Check_MK monitoring software versions prior to specific patch releases, creating a critical path traversal and arbitrary file write condition. This flaw exists within the configuration management subsystem where authenticated users can manipulate row selection parameters to influence the destination of configuration files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper path resolution mechanisms within the software's file handling routines, allowing malicious actors to specify arbitrary file paths during configuration operations. The affected versions include Check_MK 1.2.4p4 and earlier, as well as 1.2.5 versions before 1.2.5i4, indicating a widespread impact across multiple release streams.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated user sessions where attackers can manipulate the row selection functionality to target specific file paths for configuration file creation. When users interact with the configuration interface, the software processes row selection parameters without adequate sanitization, enabling path traversal sequences to be injected into the target file path. This allows attackers to write .mk configuration files to locations outside the intended directory structure, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-74 Injection flaws, where improper input handling creates opportunities for malicious path manipulation.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to monitoring infrastructure security as it allows authenticated users to modify critical configuration files in arbitrary locations. Attackers could potentially overwrite system configuration files, inject malicious code into monitoring processes, or create backdoor configurations that persist across system restarts. The impact extends beyond immediate configuration changes to potentially enable privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can manipulate the monitoring environment to gain deeper system access. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Check_MK for critical infrastructure monitoring, as compromised configuration files could lead to complete system compromise or denial of service conditions.
Organizations should immediately apply the patched versions of Check_MK 1.2.4p4 and 1.2.5i4 to remediate this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to monitoring interfaces and establish strict access controls for configuration modification. Additional mitigations include monitoring for unusual file creation patterns in configuration directories and implementing file integrity monitoring solutions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and path resolution in security-critical applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts to prevent unauthorized access to system configuration resources. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of monitoring system configurations to detect potential exploitation attempts.