CVE-2020-7954 in OpMon
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in OpServices OpMon 9.3.2. Starting from the apache user account, it is possible to perform privilege escalation through the lack of correct configuration in the server's sudoers file, which by default allows the execution of programs (e.g. nmap) without the need for a password with sudo.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7954 resides within OpServices OpMon version 9.3.2, a monitoring solution that presents a critical privilege escalation risk through improper sudoers configuration. This flaw enables attackers who have already gained access to the apache user account to elevate their privileges without requiring authentication, creating a significant security weakness in the system's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the sudoers file configuration, which serves as a critical component in Unix-like operating systems for controlling privileged access to system resources and commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure default configuration of the sudoers file, which permits the execution of arbitrary programs including nmap and other network scanning tools without requiring password authentication. This misconfiguration allows an attacker who has compromised the apache user account to leverage sudo privileges to execute commands with elevated system permissions. The flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, where users should only have the minimum permissions necessary for their legitimate functions. The default allowance of passwordless execution for network tools like nmap creates an avenue for attackers to perform reconnaissance activities and potentially escalate their access further within the compromised system.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of systems running OpMon 9.3.2, as it transforms a relatively low-privilege account compromise into a full system takeover capability. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal additional effort once an attacker has achieved initial access through the apache user account, which is often a common entry point for web application attacks. The ability to execute network scanning tools without password verification allows for rapid reconnaissance of the internal network, potentially exposing additional systems and services that could be targeted for further exploitation. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the use of sudo and other privilege escalation methods to gain elevated system access.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2020-7954 requires immediate remediation of the sudoers file configuration to eliminate passwordless execution privileges for non-essential commands. System administrators should implement proper sudoers file restrictions that limit the commands that can be executed with elevated privileges and require authentication for each privileged command execution. The configuration should follow the principle of least privilege by only granting necessary permissions and implementing audit logging for sudo command usage. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to verify that sudoers configurations remain secure and that no unauthorized modifications have been made to the system. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as privilege access management systems and regular security audits to prevent similar misconfigurations from occurring in other system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control configuration and the potential for seemingly minor misconfigurations to create significant security risks across entire system infrastructures.