CVE-2014-6607 in M
Summary
by MITRE
M/Monit 3.3.2 and earlier does not verify the original password before changing passwords, which allows remote attackers to change the password of other users and gain privileges via the fullname and password parameters, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-6409.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6607 affects M/Monit versions 3.3.2 and earlier, representing a critical authentication flaw that undermines the security posture of this system monitoring and management tool. This vulnerability resides within the password change functionality of the application, where the system fails to properly validate or verify the original password before permitting password modifications. The flaw specifically manifests when remote attackers exploit the fullname and password parameters to manipulate user credentials without proper authorization, creating a significant vector for privilege escalation and unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication controls within the password change endpoint. When a user attempts to modify their password, the system should require verification of the existing password before accepting new credentials. However, M/Monit fails to enforce this critical security check, allowing attackers to bypass the authentication process entirely. This weakness enables malicious actors to change passwords for arbitrary user accounts simply by knowing the target user's full name and providing a new password value, effectively eliminating the need for legitimate session tokens or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6607 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can gain administrative privileges by changing the passwords of legitimate administrators or high-privilege accounts, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for systems exposed to internet-facing services. This weakness directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE taxonomy under CWE-305: Authentication Bypass Using Alternate Path or Channel, as it allows bypass of authentication mechanisms through alternative means.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques categorized under privilege escalation and credential access. The flaw enables attackers to perform credential manipulation without proper authentication, which can be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also presents a risk of lateral movement, as compromised accounts can be used to access other systems or resources within the organization's infrastructure. Organizations relying on M/Monit for system monitoring and management face significant exposure to unauthorized access and potential data breaches, particularly when the application is deployed in environments with limited network segmentation or monitoring controls.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2014-6607 requires immediate implementation of proper authentication verification mechanisms before allowing password changes. System administrators should upgrade to M/Monit versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the original affected versions lack proper input validation and authentication controls. Organizations should implement additional security controls including network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, multi-factor authentication where possible, and regular security assessments to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper access controls and authentication verification, particularly in administrative interfaces where privilege escalation opportunities exist. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized password change activities and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.