CVE-2020-10820 in Nagios XI
Summary
by MITRE
Nagios XI 5.6.11 allows XSS via the includes/components/ldap_ad_integration/ password parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2025
Nagios XI version 5.6.11 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from insufficient input validation within the ldap_ad_integration component. This flaw specifically affects the password parameter in the includes/components/ldap_ad_integration/ directory, creating a persistent security risk for systems utilizing this monitoring platform. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web page content, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code that executes within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The attack vector occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the password parameter field during LDAP/AD integration configuration. This input is then processed and rendered without adequate sanitization, enabling the execution of client-side scripts in the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects administrative components of the monitoring system, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive monitoring data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the Nagios XI environment. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal authentication cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or execute commands on behalf of authenticated users. Given that Nagios XI serves as a critical infrastructure monitoring solution, this vulnerability could compromise the integrity of system monitoring, potentially allowing attackers to hide their activities from detection mechanisms while gaining access to sensitive operational data. The vulnerability affects all users who have access to the LDAP/AD integration configuration interface, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of Nagios XI to version 5.6.12 or later, which addresses this specific XSS vulnerability through proper input sanitization and output encoding. Organizations should implement web application firewall rules to filter suspicious input patterns targeting the affected component, while also conducting thorough input validation across all user-supplied parameters in the LDAP/AD integration functionality. Security teams should monitor for anomalous user behavior and implement strict access controls for administrative components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation practices aligned with OWASP Top Ten recommendations and ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to leverage legitimate administrative interfaces for malicious purposes. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include validation of input sanitization mechanisms in all web application components, particularly those handling sensitive configuration data.