CVE-2026-67433 in monitoring-plugins
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2026
Linuxfabrik monitoring-plugins provides Python monitoring plugins for Icinga, Nagios, and related monitoring systems. In version 6.0.0, the logfile check legacy database migration moved a predictable path from /tmp with os.rename() and allowed a local user controlling the plugin account to place a symlink that would be followed by sqlite3.connect() during a root-run check.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2026
The vulnerability in Linuxfabrik monitoring-plugins version 6.0.0 represents a critical privilege escalation vector through improper file handling during database migration operations. The issue occurs within the logfile check legacy database migration functionality where the system moves a predictable temporary file path from /tmp using os.rename() operation. This seemingly innocuous file movement creates a window of opportunity for local privilege escalation attacks as the temporary file path is predictable and accessible to unprivileged users.
The technical flaw stems from the combination of predictable temporary file naming and insufficient permission checks during the migration process. When the plugin executes with elevated privileges, it attempts to connect to a database file using sqlite3.connect() which follows symbolic links without proper validation. A local user who controls the plugin account can create a symbolic link at the predictable path location before the legitimate file is moved there, causing the database connection to target an arbitrary file that the user controls. This behavior aligns with common privilege escalation techniques documented in CWE-59 and CWE-276, where insufficient permissions or improper file handling creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it allows local users to potentially access sensitive monitoring data, modify database contents, or even inject malicious code into the monitoring infrastructure. Since many monitoring plugins run with elevated privileges to perform system checks, this vulnerability effectively provides an attack surface that could be exploited to compromise entire monitoring ecosystems. The attack requires local access to the system but can result in significant information disclosure and system integrity compromise as outlined in ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation and T1566 for initial access through local system compromises.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file validation before database operations, using secure temporary file creation methods with appropriate permissions, and ensuring that symbolic link following is disabled during critical operations. The recommended approach includes employing secure temporary file handling practices such as mkstemp() or similar functions that create files with restricted permissions, implementing proper path validation to prevent symlink traversal, and running monitoring plugins with minimal required privileges rather than root access. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of monitoring infrastructure components to identify similar vulnerabilities in third-party plugins and ensure proper privilege separation between monitoring operations and system administration tasks.