CVE-2026-61498 in Flamingo
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2026
Vitec Flamingo 4.12.2 contains an unauthenticated OS command injection vulnerability in the admin/ajax/gen_graphs.php endpoint that allows remote unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands by supplying shell metacharacters in the start, end, key, or format HTTP GET parameters. Attackers can exploit the lack of input sanitization in the graph generation script, which passes user-supplied values directly to shell commands via passthru(), to execute arbitrary OS commands with root privileges due to the web server context having passwordless sudo access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2026
This vulnerability exists within Vitec Flamingo version 4.12.2 where the admin/ajax/gen_graphs.php endpoint fails to properly sanitize user input, creating a critical unauthenticated os command injection flaw. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to validate or escape malicious input passed through http get parameters including start end key and format which are then directly incorporated into shell commands without proper sanitization. The specific technical implementation uses passthru() function to execute system commands with user-supplied data, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution. This flaw operates at the intersection of multiple security weaknesses including inadequate input validation and improper privilege management as evidenced by the web server context possessing passwordless sudo access which elevates the impact from standard user privileges to root level execution capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within the context of industrial control systems and building automation environments where Vitec Flamingo solutions are deployed. Attackers can leverage this unauthenticated access point to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges, potentially gaining complete system compromise and control over critical infrastructure monitoring functions. The vulnerability affects the entire administrative ajax interface and allows attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt operations through command execution. This represents a critical security gap that violates fundamental principles of least privilege and input validation as outlined in cwe-77 and cwe-89 standards for command injection vulnerabilities.
From an attack perspective this vulnerability aligns with several tactics techniques and procedures documented in the mitre att&ck framework particularly under initial access and privilege escalation categories. The unauthenticated nature means that any remote attacker can exploit this without requiring valid credentials or prior system access, making it highly attractive for automated exploitation campaigns. The use of passwordless sudo access creates a path to complete system compromise with minimal attack surface requirements. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation at the application layer, proper parameter sanitization, and privilege separation to prevent command injection attacks that could lead to full system takeover.
The vulnerability demonstrates poor security design practices in accordance with industry standards such as those established by owasp top ten and iso 27001 requirements for secure coding practices. Proper implementation should include input validation libraries, parameterized queries, and privilege separation mechanisms to prevent the execution of arbitrary operating system commands. Organizations deploying Vitec Flamingo systems should urgently apply vendor patches or implement network level restrictions to the affected endpoint while conducting thorough security assessments of their industrial control environments. The combination of unauthenticated access combined with root level command execution creates a critical risk profile that requires immediate remediation according to cybersecurity frameworks and regulatory compliance standards for critical infrastructure protection.