CVE-2024-28829 in mk_informix Agent Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2024
Least privilege violation and reliance on untrusted inputs in the mk_informix Checkmk agent plugin before Checkmk 2.3.0p12, 2.2.0p32, 2.1.0p47 and 2.0.0 (EOL) allows local users to escalate privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28829 represents a critical security flaw within the Checkmk monitoring agent's mk_informix plugin, affecting multiple versions of the Checkmk software ecosystem. This issue manifests as a least privilege violation combined with improper input validation, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user level to elevated system access. The vulnerability specifically impacts Checkmk versions prior to 2.3.0p12, 2.2.0p32, 2.1.0p47, and the end-of-life 2.0.0 release, indicating a widespread exposure across the software's lifecycle.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the mk_informix plugin's failure to properly enforce privilege boundaries when processing input data from untrusted sources. This flaw creates a dangerous condition where the plugin executes code or operations with elevated privileges without adequate validation of the input parameters. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the plugin should only perform actions within the scope of its intended functionality while maintaining strict separation between user-level operations and system-level privileges. However, the implementation fails to establish proper boundaries, allowing malicious input to trigger unintended privilege escalation behavior.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Checkmk for infrastructure monitoring, as local users who might have limited access to system resources could potentially leverage this flaw to gain administrative privileges. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as the compromised system could then be used to access sensitive monitoring data, modify system configurations, or serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions suggests that a substantial number of organizations may be exposed, particularly those running older or unsupported releases of Checkmk.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and CWE-250, which covers execution with unnecessary privileges. Additionally, the flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, and T1566, which covers social engineering tactics that could potentially be combined with this vulnerability. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched versions of Checkmk, disabling the vulnerable mk_informix plugin where possible, and implementing monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper input validation and privilege separation principles in security-critical software components, particularly those that interface with system-level operations.