CVE-2015-8604 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in the host_new_graphs function in graphs_new.php in Cacti 0.8.8f and earlier allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the cg_g parameter in a save action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The CVE-2015-8604 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in the Cacti network monitoring platform version 0.8.8f and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the host_new_graphs function within the graphs_new.php script, exposing the system to remote authenticated attackers who can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly the cg_g parameter that is processed during the save action operation. The flaw exists in the web application's database interaction layer where user-provided parameters are directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate database contents, extract sensitive information, modify or delete data, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Cacti is deployed. The affected Cacti version's widespread use in enterprise monitoring environments amplifies the potential impact, as successful exploitation could compromise network monitoring data integrity and availability. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistence within the monitored network infrastructure, as Cacti typically requires access to various network devices and systems for data collection.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2015-8604 requires an authenticated user account within the Cacti system, which reduces the attack surface compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities but still poses significant risk. The cg_g parameter in the save action context represents a prime target for injection attacks, where malicious input can alter the intended SQL query execution flow. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects not just the immediate database but potentially the entire monitoring infrastructure that relies on Cacti for network data collection and visualization. Organizations using affected versions should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates, as the vulnerability can be exploited to gain access to sensitive network monitoring data and potentially compromise the broader network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8604 should include immediate patching of the Cacti application to version 0.8.8g or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the Cacti management interface. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization and database-level query parameterization. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring tools can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in web applications, as highlighted by industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in their network monitoring and management systems.