CVE-2017-12065 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE
spikekill.php in Cacti before 1.1.16 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the avgnan, outlier-start, or outlier-end parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12065 affects Cacti versions prior to 1.1.16 and specifically targets the spikekill.php script within the web application's codebase. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that could enable malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the spikekill.php file, which processes user-supplied parameters without proper sanitization or authorization checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating three specific parameters: avgnan, outlier-start, and outlier-end, all of which are processed in a manner that allows arbitrary code injection. The flaw exists at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring authentication or elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, commonly known as code injection. This weakness occurs when an application incorporates untrusted data into executable code without proper validation or sanitization. The spikekill.php script fails to properly validate user input, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that get executed within the context of the web application. The affected parameters are processed through functions that do not adequately filter or escape user-supplied data, creating a direct path for command execution. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input handling practices that violate fundamental security principles for preventing code injection attacks. This flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12065 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a powerful foothold for further exploitation within network environments. Once successfully exploited, attackers can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and move laterally through compromised networks. The vulnerability affects systems running Cacti monitoring solutions, which are commonly deployed in enterprise environments for network and system monitoring. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential denial of service conditions. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed web services. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter for execution, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute commands through the web application interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12065 primarily focus on immediate remediation through version updates, as Cacti 1.1.16 and later versions contain patches addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring web application logs for suspicious parameter values can aid in early detection. Security teams should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, conducting regular security audits of web applications, and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular code reviews to identify and address similar weaknesses in application logic.