CVE-2023-39360 in Cacti
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2023
Cacti is an open source operational monitoring and fault management framework.Affected versions are subject to a Stored Cross-Site-Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability allows an authenticated user to poison data. The vulnerability is found in `graphs_new.php`. Several validations are performed, but the `returnto` parameter is directly passed to `form_save_button`. In order to bypass this validation, returnto must contain `host.php`. This vulnerability has been addressed in version 1.2.25. Users are advised to upgrade. Users unable to update should manually filter HTML output.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-39360 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within the Cacti monitoring framework, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.2.25. This issue resides in the graphs_new.php file where an authenticated user can inject malicious scripts into the system through a carefully crafted payload. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly in the handling of the returnto parameter. Security researchers have identified that while some validation mechanisms exist within the codebase, they fail to adequately sanitize the returnto parameter before it is processed by the form_save_button function. This oversight creates a persistent XSS vector that can be exploited by attackers who have gained legitimate access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper input validation where the returnto parameter is directly passed to the form_save_button function without adequate sanitization. The specific bypass mechanism requires the returnto parameter to contain the string "host.php" to successfully evade the existing validation checks. This particular condition suggests that the validation logic is based on simple string matching rather than comprehensive sanitization of all potentially dangerous input elements. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and specifically relates to stored XSS scenarios where malicious scripts are permanently stored on the server and executed when other users view the affected content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1566.001, representing the initial access phase through malicious web content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with persistent access to the monitoring framework and potentially sensitive operational data. An authenticated attacker can craft malicious payloads that execute whenever legitimate users navigate to specific pages within the Cacti interface, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further privilege escalation. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious scripts remain active until manually removed or the system is updated, creating a long-term security risk for organizations relying on Cacti for network monitoring. This vulnerability particularly affects operational monitoring environments where the framework is used to track critical infrastructure components, as attackers could manipulate monitoring data or gain unauthorized access to system information. The impact is compounded by the fact that Cacti is widely used in enterprise environments for operational monitoring, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for network security posture.
Organizations affected by CVE-2023-39360 should immediately implement the recommended remediation measures including upgrading to version 1.2.25 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. The upgrade process should include thorough testing to ensure compatibility with existing monitoring configurations and data collection processes. For organizations unable to perform immediate upgrades, manual HTML output filtering should be implemented as a temporary mitigation strategy. This involves implementing comprehensive input sanitization routines that remove or encode potentially dangerous characters from user-supplied parameters before they are processed by the form_save_button function. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities and monitor system logs for any suspicious activity related to the graphs_new.php endpoint. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in operational monitoring frameworks where system integrity and data accuracy are paramount. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their monitoring infrastructure to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of their operational monitoring stack.