CVE-2017-16759 in LibreNMS
Summary
by MITRE
The installation process in LibreNMS before 2017-08-18 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files, related to html/install.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16759 affects the LibreNMS network monitoring platform prior to version 2017-08-18, specifically within its installation process. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes the system to remote code execution and data exfiltration attacks through improper input validation during the installation phase. The vulnerability exists in the html/install.php file which handles the initial setup process of the LibreNMS platform, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network monitoring infrastructure.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters during the installation routine, particularly when processing file paths or configuration values. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that manipulate the installation script to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory," which is commonly exploited in file inclusion and path traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially extract sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other confidential information stored on the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical network monitoring infrastructure. Since LibreNMS is widely used for network device monitoring and management, successful exploitation could provide attackers with comprehensive visibility into network traffic, device configurations, and system credentials. The vulnerability can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on LibreNMS for critical network monitoring functions. This exposure could lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of network monitoring capabilities that organizations depend upon for security operations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to LibreNMS version 2017-08-18 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to installation scripts and web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable html/install.php endpoint. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 "Exploitation of Remote Services" and represents a common vector for initial access in network infiltration campaigns, making proper patch management and access control implementation essential defensive measures.