CVE-2022-4067 in librenms
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2022
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in GitHub repository librenms/librenms prior to 22.10.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4067 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the LibreNMS network monitoring platform. This issue affects versions prior to 22.10.0 and resides within the GitHub repository librenms/librenms, making it a critical security concern for organizations relying on this open-source network monitoring solution. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the application's database, which then execute whenever legitimate users access affected pages. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws that enable attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload is permanently saved within the application's data stores rather than being reflected in a single request, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the LibreNMS application's data handling mechanisms. When users submit data through various input fields or API endpoints, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape potentially malicious content before storing it in the database. This inadequate data sanitization process creates an environment where attackers can inject HTML, JavaScript, or other malicious code that persists in the system. The vulnerability typically manifests when user-supplied data containing script tags or malicious payloads is processed and stored without proper security measures. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input that includes script code, which then gets stored in the database and executed whenever the affected page is rendered to other users. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that LibreNMS is commonly used in enterprise environments where administrators and users frequently access the platform, creating multiple potential attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-4067 extends beyond simple script execution, presenting significant risks to network security infrastructure and user data integrity. Organizations using affected versions of LibreNMS face potential unauthorized access to sensitive network information, session hijacking, and the possibility of complete system compromise through advanced attack vectors. The stored XSS vulnerability can enable attackers to steal user credentials, modify network configurations, or redirect users to malicious sites for phishing attacks. Network administrators who regularly access the LibreNMS dashboard become prime targets for these attacks, as their sessions could be hijacked to gain elevated privileges within the monitoring system. The vulnerability also aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access through web application attacks and privilege escalation via compromised user sessions. Organizations may experience data breaches, unauthorized network modifications, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure if attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the impact can compound over time as more users are exposed to the malicious content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4067 primarily focus on upgrading to the patched version 22.10.0 or later, which implements proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should immediately assess their current LibreNMS installations to identify vulnerable versions and prioritize patch deployment across their network monitoring infrastructure. Additionally, implementing comprehensive input validation at multiple layers of the application, including API endpoints and user input fields, can provide defense-in-depth measures. Security teams should also consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts and establish proper output encoding for all user-supplied data. Regular security audits and penetration testing of the LibreNMS environment can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a stored XSS attack emphasizes the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to protect against persistent threats that can compromise critical network monitoring systems.