CVE-2018-7649 in Monitorix
Summary
by MITRE
Monitorix before 3.10.1 allows XSS via CGI variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7649 represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting Monitorix versions prior to 3.10.1. This issue resides within the web interface components of Monitorix, a system monitoring tool designed to provide real-time performance metrics for various system resources including cpu usage, memory consumption, network activity, and disk space. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the CGI script handling where user-supplied input parameters are not properly sanitized before being rendered in web responses. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive system information or session hijacking. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. Monitorix serves as a monitoring solution for Linux systems and is commonly deployed in enterprise environments where system administrators rely on its dashboard for operational oversight, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that depend on its web interface for system management. The attack vector involves crafting malicious input parameters through CGI variables that are then processed by Monitorix and reflected back to users without appropriate sanitization measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Monitorix processes CGI variables containing malicious script code within its web interface components. The flaw exists because the application fails to implement proper input validation and output encoding for CGI parameters that are used to generate dynamic web content. When users access Monitorix web pages with specially crafted parameters, the system processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, allowing the malicious scripts to execute in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to perform session hijacking by stealing cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute arbitrary commands on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core web interface functionality of Monitorix, which is designed to be accessible through web browsers. The XSS flaw can be leveraged to bypass traditional security controls and gain unauthorized access to system monitoring data, potentially exposing sensitive infrastructure information to malicious actors. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing URLs with malicious payloads that, when clicked by other users, will execute the injected scripts in their browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7649 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of system monitoring data within enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing Monitorix for infrastructure monitoring face potential exposure of critical system information, including user credentials, system configurations, and performance metrics that could be exploited by attackers. The vulnerability undermines the trust model of the monitoring system, as legitimate users may unknowingly execute malicious code when accessing the web interface. This can lead to unauthorized access to system resources, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within networks where Monitorix is deployed. The impact is particularly severe for organizations that rely on Monitorix for security monitoring, as attackers could potentially hide their activities from detection by manipulating the monitoring data or by using the monitoring interface as a command and control channel. The vulnerability also affects the availability of the monitoring system, as malicious actors could potentially disrupt normal operations through script injection attacks. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a persistent threat that could remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain access and continue monitoring system activities without detection.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7649 involve immediate upgrading to Monitorix version 3.10.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output encoding measures within their web applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is sanitized before being processed or displayed. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the Monitorix interface to trusted users only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or script injection attempts within the web interface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against XSS attacks. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated Monitorix installation to ensure that all XSS vulnerabilities are properly addressed and that the system continues to function correctly. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other monitoring tools and web applications within the organization. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" as attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious JavaScript payloads. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to provide additional protection against XSS attacks and ensure that all web applications follow secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.