CVE-2015-8369 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in include/top_graph_header.php in Cacti 0.8.8f and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the rra_id parameter in a properties action to graph.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2022
The CVE-2015-8369 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the widely deployed network monitoring solution Cacti version 0.8.8f and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the include/top_graph_header.php file and specifically targets the rra_id parameter handling in the graph.php script when processing properties actions. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary sql commands without authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data before incorporating it into sql query constructions, making it a classic example of improper input handling that violates security best practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the rra_id parameter in the properties action of graph.php. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89 sql injection, which is a fundamental weakness in applications that construct sql queries using external input without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the web application's legitimate graph management functionality to inject malicious sql payloads. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exfiltration as it allows attackers to manipulate the database directly, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data modification, or complete database compromise. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 application layer protocol exploitation, where attackers target web application vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8369 is severe for organizations relying on Cacti for network monitoring and performance tracking. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive monitoring data, modify graph configurations, or even gain access to underlying database credentials. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Cacti's graphing capabilities, which are essential for network administrators to monitor system performance and detect anomalies. Given that Cacti is commonly used in enterprise environments for critical infrastructure monitoring, successful exploitation could lead to significant operational disruptions and potential security breaches. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including upgrading to Cacti version 0.8.8g or later where the vulnerability has been patched. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and sanitization for the rra_id parameter, ensuring that user-supplied data cannot be injected into sql queries. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious sql injection attempts, restricting access to the graph.php endpoint through network segmentation, and applying principle of least privilege configurations to database accounts used by Cacti. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual sql query patterns and parameter injection attempts in web server logs, as well as regular vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other components of the monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and proper sql query construction in preventing sql injection attacks, which remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security risks.