CVE-2023-7313 in Nagios
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2025
Nagios XI versions prior to 5.11.3 are vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) via the Bulk Modifications tool. Insufficient validation or escaping of user-supplied input may allow an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary script in the context of a victim's browser.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2025
Nagios XI is a comprehensive network monitoring and management platform that provides enterprise-level visibility into system performance and network health. The platform's Bulk Modifications tool serves as a critical administrative function allowing users to perform mass configuration changes across multiple monitored services and hosts simultaneously. This functionality is essential for system administrators managing large-scale IT infrastructures where routine maintenance and configuration updates affect numerous components at once. The vulnerability exists within this administrative interface where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed and rendered back to the browser.
The cross-site scripting vulnerability in CVE-2023-7313 stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the Bulk Modifications tool's processing logic. When administrators or authorized users interact with this feature, they can provide input data that contains malicious script code. The system fails to properly sanitize this input before displaying it in the web interface, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by attackers who gain access to legitimate user accounts or who can trick users into executing malicious actions through social engineering techniques. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 5113, indicating that the developers identified and patched this specific weakness in their security updates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the context of authenticated users. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, modify monitoring configurations, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting attack pattern, which represents one of the most common and dangerous web application security flaws. Given that Nagios XI is often deployed in critical infrastructure environments where security is paramount, this vulnerability could compromise the integrity of monitoring data and potentially allow attackers to hide malicious activities from detection systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability exists within legitimate administrative functions that are commonly used by authorized personnel.
Organizations should immediately implement the patch released in Nagios XI version 5.11.3 to address this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive network monitoring to detect any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also review user access controls and implement principle of least privilege to minimize the potential impact of compromised accounts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 - Phishing and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could use the XSS to deliver malicious payloads and execute commands through the compromised monitoring interface. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their monitoring platforms and implement web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The incident response plan should include procedures for detecting and analyzing potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual activities within the Bulk Modifications tool and monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes.