CVE-2018-15710 in Nagios XI
Summary
by MITRE
Nagios XI 5.5.6 allows local authenticated attackers to escalate privileges to root via Autodiscover_new.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15710 affects Nagios XI version 5.5.6, a widely used network monitoring and infrastructure management platform. This critical privilege escalation flaw exists within the Autodiscover_new.php component, which is part of the system's autodiscovery functionality designed to automatically detect and configure network services. The vulnerability specifically targets local authenticated users who already possess valid credentials within the Nagios XI environment, creating a path for attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to root access. The flaw represents a significant security weakness in the platform's access control mechanisms and privilege management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and privilege handling within the Autodiscover_new.php script. When authenticated users interact with this component, the application fails to properly validate user inputs and verify authorization levels before executing privileged operations. This design flaw allows attackers to manipulate script parameters or inject malicious payloads that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-269, which addresses improper privilege management, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation. The specific mechanism involves the application's failure to properly enforce the principle of least privilege during autodiscovery operations, enabling authenticated users to execute commands with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially devastating for organizations relying on Nagios XI for critical infrastructure monitoring. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, as attackers with root access gain unrestricted control over the monitoring server, including the ability to modify monitoring configurations, access sensitive data, install malicious software, and potentially pivot to other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire monitoring infrastructure, potentially leading to undetected intrusions and extended attack windows. Organizations may experience service disruptions, data breaches, and compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments where monitoring system integrity is critical for security operations and audit requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15710 should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates. Organizations must apply the official security patches released by Nagios Inc. to address the privilege escalation flaw in Autodiscover_new.php. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting local access to the Nagios XI server. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of Nagios XI 5.5.6 installations and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Regular monitoring of system logs for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and implementing principle of least privilege for user accounts can further reduce the risk. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, enhanced logging, and regular security audits to strengthen their overall security posture against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper privilege management and input validation in security-critical applications, emphasizing the need for thorough security testing and continuous monitoring of enterprise monitoring platforms.