CVE-2017-1000031 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in graph_templates_inputs.php in Cacti 0.8.8b allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the graph_template_input_id and graph_template_id parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000031 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the cacti monitoring platform version 0.8.8b. This vulnerability specifically affects the graph_templates_inputs.php component which handles graph template input management within the cacti web interface. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into sql query constructions without proper escaping or parameterization mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the graph_template_input_id and graph_template_id parameters through crafted malicious input sequences that bypass normal input filtering.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which defines sql injection as the insertion of malicious sql code into input fields for execution by the database engine. This particular instance demonstrates a classic sql injection vector where user-controllable parameters flow directly into sql command construction without adequate sanitization. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly escape or parameterize the input values before incorporating them into database queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious sql fragments that can manipulate the underlying database operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on cacti for network monitoring and performance tracking. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the database server hosting cacti data, potentially leading to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized access to monitoring infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers could modify monitoring configurations, inject false data into monitoring systems, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. Given that cacti is commonly used for critical infrastructure monitoring, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain insights into network operations or disrupt monitoring capabilities that are essential for security operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol manipulation, specifically targeting web application interfaces. This vulnerability can be exploited through standard web application attack vectors where malicious input is submitted through http requests to the affected php script. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper access controls. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of cacti where the vulnerable parameters are properly sanitized and escaped before database insertion, following secure coding practices that prevent sql injection through proper input validation and parameterized query execution.