CVE-2018-19271 in Centreon
Summary
by MITRE
Centreon 3.4.x allows SQL Injection via the main.php searchH parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-19271 represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in Centreon version 3.4.x, a widely deployed network and infrastructure monitoring solution used by organizations worldwide. This vulnerability specifically affects the main.php script within the application's web interface, where the searchH parameter is processed without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data within the search functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database. Centreon's monitoring infrastructure is critical for IT operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially compromise the entire monitoring ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the searchH parameter in the main.php endpoint. The application fails to properly escape or sanitize user input before incorporating it into sql queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the database query execution flow. This vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and aligns with the attack pattern identified in the mitre att&ck framework under technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core monitoring functionality of the platform, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or operational information from the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to critical network monitoring infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, modify monitoring configurations, or even gain access to underlying network resources that the monitoring system is designed to protect. The implications are severe for organizations relying on Centreon for their monitoring needs, as the compromised system could provide attackers with insights into network topology, service availability, and operational status that could be used for further attacks. This vulnerability also represents a potential backdoor opportunity for attackers to maintain persistent access to the monitored environment, especially if they can establish a method for continued exploitation through the monitoring interface.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their Centreon installations. The primary remediation involves applying the official security patches released by Centreon to address the sql injection vulnerability in the searchH parameter handling. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of the monitoring system to untrusted networks. Implementing web application firewalls WAF rules specifically targeting sql injection patterns and monitoring for suspicious search parameter usage can provide additional protection layers. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to ensure similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the application. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date monitoring systems and implementing proper security monitoring for sql injection attempts, as outlined in the nist cybersecurity framework for secure application development and deployment practices.