CVE-2017-2826 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the iConfig proxy request of Zabbix server 2.4.X. A specially crafted iConfig proxy request can cause the Zabbix server to send the configuration information of any Zabbix proxy, resulting in information disclosure. An attacker can make requests from an active Zabbix proxy to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The CVE-2017-2826 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Zabbix server version 2.4.x that specifically affects the iConfig proxy request functionality. This vulnerability resides in the server's handling of proxy configuration requests and allows unauthorized information exposure through specially crafted malicious requests. The flaw operates within the Zabbix monitoring infrastructure where the server communicates with proxies to synchronize configuration data, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Zabbix for system monitoring and security operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the iConfig proxy request processing module. When a Zabbix server receives an iConfig request from a proxy, it typically validates the request and responds with configuration information for the requesting proxy. However, due to improper validation, an attacker can manipulate the request parameters to extract configuration data from any proxy within the monitored environment. This flaw essentially bypasses the normal access controls that should restrict proxy configuration information to only the specific proxy requesting it. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which encompasses information disclosure vulnerabilities, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in system security design.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2826 extends beyond simple information leakage to potentially compromise entire monitoring infrastructures. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to obtain sensitive proxy configuration details including authentication credentials, monitoring parameters, network addresses, and other system information that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered by active Zabbix proxies, meaning that an attacker who gains control of a single proxy within the network could potentially use it as a launching point to extract information from all other proxies in the system. This creates a cascading effect that can expose the entire monitoring ecosystem to unauthorized access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1082 (System Information Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as it enables reconnaissance activities and information gathering that could lead to more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2826 require immediate implementation of security patches provided by Zabbix developers, as the vulnerability affects versions 2.4.x that are no longer supported with security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate Zabbix servers from untrusted networks and ensure that only authorized proxies can communicate with the server. Additional protective measures include implementing strict firewall rules that limit access to Zabbix server ports, enabling authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security audits of proxy configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control in monitoring systems, and organizations should review their monitoring infrastructure for similar flaws. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual proxy request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the nature of this vulnerability, it represents a classic example of how monitoring systems themselves can become attack vectors if not properly secured against information disclosure threats.