CVE-2024-5723 in Centreon
Summary
by MITRE • 08/21/2024
Centreon updateServiceHost SQL Injection Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Centreon. Authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the updateServiceHost function. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to construct SQL queries. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the apache user. Was ZDI-CAN-23294.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The CVE-2024-5723 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Centreon's updateServiceHost function that enables remote code execution through SQL injection techniques. This vulnerability resides within the web-based monitoring platform's service management capabilities, where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into database queries. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes service host updates, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability's classification as remote code execution means that attackers can potentially gain full control over affected systems without requiring physical access or local privileges. The attack vector requires authentication, indicating that the vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated users who may have legitimate access to the Centreon interface, though this does not prevent privilege escalation attacks or account compromise scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the updateServiceHost function, creating a classic SQL injection scenario where malicious SQL payloads can be injected into database queries. This weakness directly maps to CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing via web links in the exploitation phase. The lack of proper input validation allows attackers to construct malicious SQL statements that bypass authentication checks and execute arbitrary database operations. When the application processes these malformed inputs, the SQL injection occurs during the service host update process, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate database records, extract sensitive information, or execute commands with the privileges of the apache user account that runs the Centreon web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as successful exploitation provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This code execution capability places the attacker in a position to perform reconnaissance activities, establish persistence mechanisms, and potentially move laterally within the network environment. The apache user context provides access to web application files, database connections, and potentially system resources that could enable further compromise of the monitoring infrastructure. Organizations using Centreon for critical infrastructure monitoring face significant risk, as this vulnerability could allow attackers to disrupt monitoring services, gain access to sensitive operational data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for broader network attacks. The vulnerability's presence in the updateServiceHost function suggests that it affects service management operations, potentially impacting how organizations track and manage their monitored systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the latest security patches from Centreon, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the monitoring infrastructure, and enforcing strict access controls for Centreon administrative accounts. The remediation process should involve validating that all user inputs are properly sanitized and escaped before database operations, implementing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, and conducting thorough security testing of web application interfaces. Additionally, organizations should monitor for suspicious activities in Centreon logs, implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts, and establish incident response procedures for handling potential compromise scenarios. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while ensuring that authentication controls remain robust to prevent unauthorized access to the vulnerable functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies for critical infrastructure monitoring systems.