CVE-2015-4454 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the get_hash_graph_template function in lib/functions.php in Cacti before 0.8.8d allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the graph_template_id parameter to graph_templates.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2022
The CVE-2015-4454 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the Cacti network monitoring platform that affects versions prior to 0.8.8d. This vulnerability specifically targets the get_hash_graph_template function located in the lib/functions.php file, which serves as a core component for processing graph template data within the application's architecture. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the graph_template_id parameter in requests directed to graph_templates.php, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the underlying database operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes sql injection as a severe weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input that bypasses the application's input validation controls, allowing them to inject arbitrary sql commands that execute with the privileges of the database user account used by Cacti. The vulnerability specifically affects the graph_template_id parameter, which is typically used to retrieve and display graph template information, making it a critical vector for unauthorized database access and potential system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to perform complete database manipulation including data modification, deletion, or extraction of sensitive information. In the context of network monitoring systems like Cacti, this represents a significant threat since the platform often contains detailed network topology information, performance metrics, and potentially sensitive infrastructure data. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and T1046, covering network service scanning, as attackers may use this vulnerability to expand their reconnaissance efforts within the network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4454 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Cacti installations to version 0.8.8d or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameter validation. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection patterns, conduct thorough input validation on all user-supplied data, and ensure proper database user permissions are enforced with minimal privileges for the application's database access. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the application's codebase, while network segmentation and monitoring can help detect anomalous database access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when sanitization controls fail in database-driven systems.