CVE-2016-3659 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in graph_view.php in Cacti 0.8.8.g allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the host_group_data parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The CVE-2016-3659 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the cacti network monitoring platform version 0.8.8.g. This vulnerability specifically affects the graph_view.php script which is commonly used for displaying network graphs and monitoring data within the cacti web interface. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the host_group_data parameter, which is processed through user-supplied data without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. This allows authenticated attackers who have access to the cacti system to manipulate the sql query execution flow by injecting malicious sql code through the vulnerable parameter.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user submits specially crafted input through the host_group_data parameter in the graph_view.php script. The application fails to properly sanitize or escape this input before incorporating it into sql queries, creating a direct path for sql injection attacks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary sql commands on the underlying database system, potentially gaining access to sensitive monitoring data, user credentials, or even escalating privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability is classified as a remote authenticated attack vector since it requires the attacker to have valid login credentials but does not require additional privileges beyond standard user access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and potentially lead to broader system infiltration. An attacker with access to cacti could extract all monitored network data, user accounts, and configuration information stored in the database. This represents a significant risk for network administrators who rely on cacti for monitoring critical infrastructure, as the vulnerability could expose sensitive network topology information and operational details. The attack surface is particularly concerning because cacti is commonly deployed in enterprise environments where it serves as a central monitoring solution for network infrastructure, making the potential impact of this vulnerability substantial.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3659 should focus on immediate patching of the cacti application to version 0.8.8.h or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for the affected parameter. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of credential compromise, ensuring that cacti access is restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be addressed through proper parameterization and input validation. Additionally, implementing database query logging and monitoring can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while following ATT&CK framework guidance for defensive measures against sql injection attacks provides a structured approach to mitigating this class of vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide an additional layer of protection against sql injection attempts targeting the cacti interface.