CVE-2023-40933 in Nagios
Summary
by MITRE • 09/20/2023
A SQL injection vulnerability in Nagios XI v5.11.1 and below allows authenticated attackers with announcement banner configuration privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ID parameter sent to the update_banner_message() function.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-40933 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Nagios XI version 5.11.1 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically targets the announcement banner configuration functionality, which is commonly used for displaying system messages and notifications to users within the monitoring interface. The flaw exists in the update_banner_message() function where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL queries. Attackers who possess legitimate credentials with announcement banner configuration privileges can exploit this weakness by manipulating the ID parameter to inject malicious SQL commands into the backend database system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a persistent flaw occurring when user input is directly incorporated into SQL command construction without proper validation or sanitization. This particular instance demonstrates how authenticated privilege escalation can lead to database compromise, as the attacker requires only banner configuration permissions rather than administrative access. The vulnerability operates by bypassing normal input validation mechanisms and directly injecting SQL syntax through the ID parameter, allowing attackers to manipulate the database through the web interface. The impact extends beyond simple data retrieval, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify, delete, or extract sensitive information from the Nagios XI database.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Nagios XI for network monitoring and infrastructure management. The exploitation of this flaw could result in unauthorized access to critical monitoring data, including system configurations, alert settings, and potentially sensitive operational information. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access to the monitoring infrastructure, potentially disrupting system operations or using the compromised system as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The attack vector requires minimal privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised users with banner configuration rights. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts with insufficient privileges, and T1046 which involves network service scanning and reconnaissance.
Organizations should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most critical step involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that resolve the SQL injection flaw in Nagios XI. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the Nagios XI interface and enforce the principle of least privilege by restricting banner configuration permissions to only essential personnel. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious SQL injection attempts, enabling detailed logging and monitoring of administrative activities, and conducting regular security assessments of the monitoring infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring to detect anomalous SQL query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address database compromise scenarios. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation practices in preventing authenticated SQL injection attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.