CVE-2017-15935 in Pandora FMS
Summary
by MITRE
Artica Pandora FMS version 7.0 is vulnerable to remote PHP code execution through the manager files function. This is only exploitable by administrators who upload a PHP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15935 affects Artica Pandora FMS version 7.0 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited through the manager files function. This vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface of the system, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper file handling mechanisms within the file management functionality, allowing authenticated administrators with upload privileges to potentially compromise the entire system. The attack vector requires an attacker to first gain administrative access, typically through credential compromise or other initial access methods, before leveraging this specific vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute malicious code remotely. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-434 which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where the system accepts files without proper validation, and also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file upload mechanisms within the Pandora FMS administrative interface. When administrators upload files through the manager files function, the system fails to properly validate the file types or content, allowing PHP files to be uploaded and subsequently executed within the web server context. This occurs because the application does not implement adequate sanitization or validation checks on uploaded files, nor does it properly restrict file extensions or content types that can be processed. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with the administrative privileges required for exploitation, as it allows attackers to gain persistent access to the system and potentially escalate their privileges to system level access. The execution of arbitrary PHP code through this pathway can enable attackers to establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or perform other malicious activities that compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the monitored network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15935 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on Pandora FMS for network monitoring and management. Organizations using this version of the software face potential exposure to complete system compromise, especially if administrators are compromised or if default credentials are not changed. The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive network data, disruption of monitoring services, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Given that Pandora FMS is commonly used in enterprise environments for critical network monitoring, the exploitation of this vulnerability could result in significant business disruption and regulatory compliance violations. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability requires only administrative access to exploit, which means that once an attacker gains these privileges through other means, they can immediately leverage this flaw to achieve persistent remote access and execute arbitrary commands on the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15935 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Pandora FMS version 7.0 to address the file upload validation issues. Organizations should implement strict file upload restrictions and validation mechanisms that prevent PHP and other potentially dangerous file types from being uploaded to the system. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit administrative access to only necessary personnel and systems. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems within the organization. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation efforts should also include comprehensive security training for administrators to prevent credential compromise and ensure proper access control practices. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and continuous monitoring to detect similar issues in their infrastructure and ensure that all systems remain patched against known vulnerabilities.