CVE-2015-8377 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the host_new_graphs_save function in graphs_new.php in Cacti 0.8.8f and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via crafted serialized data in the selected_graphs_array parameter in a save action.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2022
The CVE-2015-8377 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Cacti network monitoring platform version 0.8.8f and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the host_new_graphs_save function located in the graphs_new.php file, which serves as a core component for managing graph creation and saving operations within the system. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has obtained valid user credentials can exploit this weakness without requiring additional privileges or complex attack vectors. This authentication requirement significantly lowers the barrier to exploitation compared to vulnerabilities that demand unauthenticated access, making it more prevalent in real-world attack scenarios where attackers may have already compromised user accounts through various means such as credential theft, phishing, or other initial compromise techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of serialized data within the selected_graphs_array parameter during save operations. When authenticated users perform graph saving actions, the application processes the serialized data without adequate sanitization or parameter binding mechanisms. This allows attackers to craft malicious serialized payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable function, get interpreted as SQL commands rather than mere data. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the database communication, potentially enabling attackers to execute commands such as data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation within the database context. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is categorized under the broader weakness of inadequate input validation and represents one of the most common and dangerous web application security flaws. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under the T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application technique, as it exploits a weakness in a publicly accessible application component that serves legitimate business functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8377 extends beyond simple data theft or corruption, as it can enable comprehensive system compromise and data exfiltration. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can potentially access all monitored network data, user credentials stored within the Cacti system, and sensitive infrastructure information that the monitoring platform tracks. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that Cacti is widely used in enterprise environments for network monitoring, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for organizations that rely on this platform for critical infrastructure oversight. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to network topology information, performance metrics, and other sensitive operational data that might reveal system weaknesses or provide insights for further attacks. The impact on business continuity is significant, as compromised monitoring systems can lead to undetected security breaches, operational disruptions, and potential regulatory compliance violations. Organizations may also face reputational damage and financial losses due to the exposure of sensitive network information and the potential for extended attack surface exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8377 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of proper input validation mechanisms. The most effective immediate solution is upgrading to Cacti version 0.8.8g or later, which includes the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement robust input sanitization practices, including parameterized queries and proper escaping of user inputs before database processing. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that database accounts used by Cacti have minimal required permissions and that proper access controls are implemented to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their monitoring and management systems. Implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring tools can provide additional layers of protection and detection capabilities for identifying and blocking malicious SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive security testing practices throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.