CVE-2020-8947 in Pandora FMS
Summary
by MITRE
functions_netflow.php in Artica Pandora FMS 7.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via shell metacharacters in the index.php?operation/netflow/nf_live_view ip_dst, dst_port, or src_port parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2019-20224.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8947 affects Artica Pandora FMS version 7.0 and represents a critical remote command execution flaw within the functions_netflow.php component. This issue specifically targets the netflow live view functionality and allows attackers to inject malicious shell metacharacters into the ip_dst, dst_port, or src_port parameters of the index.php?operation/netflow/nf_live_view endpoint. The vulnerability operates through a classic command injection vector where user-controllable input is improperly sanitized before being passed to system commands, creating an opportunity for arbitrary code execution on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the Pandora FMS application's netflow processing logic. When the application processes network flow data through the affected interface, it constructs system commands using parameters directly derived from user input without proper escaping or filtering of shell metacharacters. This design flaw enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the application, result in the execution of arbitrary operating system commands with the privileges of the web application user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute commands without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-8947 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive network monitoring data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install backdoors, exfiltrate network flow data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The netflow functionality is commonly used for network monitoring and security analysis, making the compromise of this component particularly damaging to network security posture. Organizations using Pandora FMS for critical network monitoring operations face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized network access when this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically addressing improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands and command injection flaws. This vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically requires either gaining access through the vulnerability or using compromised credentials to maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8947 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Pandora FMS version 7.0 to the latest available release that addresses this command injection vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected web interface to trusted networks only, while also deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Input validation measures should be strengthened throughout the application to ensure all user-supplied parameters undergo proper sanitization before being processed by system commands. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or network flow data processing activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within their Pandora FMS deployment and ensure proper network access controls are in place to limit the attack surface. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future, as this flaw represents a fundamental security issue in input handling and command execution processes.