CVE-2019-19699 in Infrastructure Monitoring Software
Summary
by MITRE
There is Authenticated remote code execution in Centreon Infrastructure Monitoring Software through 19.10 via Pollers misconfiguration, leading to system compromise via apache crontab misconfiguration, This allows the apache user to modify an executable file executed by root at 22:30 every day. To exploit the vulnerability, someone must have Admin access to the Centreon Web Interface and create a custom main.php?p=60803&type=3 command. The user must then set the Pollers Post-Restart Command to this previously created command via the main.php?p=60901&o=c&server_id=1 URI. This is triggered via an export of the Poller Configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2024
CVE-2019-19699 represents a critical authenticated remote code execution vulnerability within Centreon Infrastructure Monitoring Software version 19.10 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from a dangerous misconfiguration in the poller management system that creates a persistent backdoor for attackers who have already gained administrative access to the web interface. The flaw operates through a sophisticated chain of exploitation that leverages the apache user's privileges to manipulate system-level executables that run with root privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it transforms a web-based administrative privilege into a system-level compromise through a carefully orchestrated misconfiguration of cron jobs that execute daily at 10:30 PM. This timing element makes the attack particularly stealthy and persistent, as it operates outside normal user monitoring activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves exploiting the poller configuration export mechanism to inject malicious commands into the system's cron execution environment. When an authenticated administrator navigates to the specific URI path main.php?p=60901&o=c&server_id=1 and sets the Pollers Post-Restart Command to a crafted payload, the system creates a malicious entry in the apache crontab that executes with root privileges. This particular flaw is classified under CWE-78 as a command injection vulnerability, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the lack of proper privilege separation between the web interface administrative functions and the underlying system execution mechanisms, creating a dangerous escalation path from web application access to system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the compromised system through the root-level cron job execution. The daily execution timing ensures that the malicious payload continues to operate without requiring further interaction from the attacker, making it particularly difficult to detect and remove. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1053.003 for scheduled task/job, as it leverages both command execution capabilities and scheduled job manipulation to maintain persistence. The attack vector requires an authenticated administrative user, but once achieved, the attack becomes highly effective in maintaining long-term system compromise and potentially expanding to other network systems through the compromised monitoring infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19699 must address both the immediate configuration issues and implement broader security controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Centreon versions that have patched this vulnerability, as the official security patches resolve the improper privilege handling in the poller configuration export process. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit administrative access to the Centreon web interface, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Regular monitoring of cron job configurations and system-level file changes should be implemented to detect unauthorized modifications to scheduled tasks. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web application users and regular security audits of system configurations can help prevent similar misconfigurations from occurring in other components of the monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege separation and input validation in system management interfaces, particularly those that interact with system-level execution mechanisms.