CVE-2017-14405 in EyesOfNetwork Web Interface
Summary
by MITRE
The EyesOfNetwork web interface (aka eonweb) 5.1-0 allows remote command execution via shell metacharacters in a hosts_cacti array parameter to module/admin_device/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2019
The CVE-2017-14405 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the EyesOfNetwork web interface version 5.1-0, specifically affecting the module/admin_device/index.php endpoint. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data containing shell metacharacters. The affected parameter hosts_cacti within the POST request allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the context of the web application's privileges, potentially compromising the entire system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the hosts_cacti array parameter which is processed without proper sanitization or validation. When the web application receives this parameter, it directly incorporates the user-supplied values into system commands without adequate escaping or filtering of special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or command substitution operators. This design flaw enables attackers to inject arbitrary shell commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated permissions to access system resources and network services.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations using EyesOfNetwork to severe security risks including complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The vulnerability affects the administrative device management functionality, which typically has access to sensitive network monitoring data and system configurations, making it particularly attractive to attackers seeking persistent access or privilege escalation opportunities. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-77 and CWE-94 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically addressing improper input validation and code injection weaknesses.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-14405 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to command and control communications, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, deploy additional malware, or create persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain access to other systems within the network that may be connected to the EyesOfNetwork monitoring infrastructure. Organizations using this software face significant risk of unauthorized access to network monitoring data, configuration files, and system resources that are typically protected by administrative controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14405 should include immediate patching of the EyesOfNetwork web interface to version 5.1-1 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in the hosts_cacti parameter handling. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected web interface, limiting exposure to authorized personnel only. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level sanitization, web application firewalls, and network-based intrusion detection systems. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network monitoring tools and web applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper secure coding practices, including input sanitization, output encoding, and principle of least privilege in web application development, which aligns with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework recommendations for preventing injection vulnerabilities.