CVE-2019-9165 in Nagios XI
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Nagios XI before 5.5.11 allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the API when using fusekeys and malicious user id.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9165 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Nagios XI monitoring platform versions prior to 5.5.11. This weakness specifically manifests through the application programming interface when utilizing fusekeys authentication mechanism alongside malicious user identifiers, creating a pathway for unauthorized command execution. The vulnerability resides in how the system processes user input within API requests, particularly when fusekeys are employed for authentication purposes, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this monitoring solution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of user identifier parameters within API calls that utilize fusekeys for authentication. When a malicious actor crafts a specially crafted API request containing manipulated user ID values, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before incorporating it into SQL query constructions. This inadequate input handling allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that bypass authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary database operations. The flaw specifically targets the authentication and authorization processes within the Nagios XI platform, where the system's SQL query building logic does not adequately separate user input from executable code, creating a classic SQL injection scenario.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9165 extends beyond simple data exfiltration to encompass full system compromise and unauthorized access to critical monitoring infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, gain access to sensitive monitoring data, manipulate alert configurations, and potentially disrupt critical infrastructure monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Nagios XI for network and system monitoring, potentially exposing their entire infrastructure to unauthorized access and data manipulation. Given that Nagios XI is commonly deployed in enterprise environments where it serves as a critical monitoring tool, the exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to significant operational disruptions and security breaches.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Nagios XI version 5.5.11 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around the Nagios XI installation can limit potential attack vectors. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual API access patterns and authentication attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the monitoring infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against such attacks.