CVE-2017-16661 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-16661, a vulnerability in Cacti 1.1.27 that allows remote authenticated administrators to read arbitrary files. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
Cacti 1.1.27 allows remote authenticated administrators to read arbitrary files by exploiting a vulnerability. This can be achieved by manipulating the Log Path and making specific requests.
Understanding CVE-2017-16661
This CVE involves a security issue in Cacti 1.1.27 that enables authenticated remote administrators to access unauthorized files through a specific manipulation technique.
What is CVE-2017-16661?
The vulnerability in Cacti 1.1.27 allows authenticated remote administrators to read arbitrary files by placing the Log Path into a private directory and making a specific request.
The Impact of CVE-2017-16661
By exploiting this vulnerability, remote administrators can gain access to unauthorized files, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure and unauthorized system access.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-16661
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Cacti 1.1.27 allows remote authenticated administrators to read arbitrary files by manipulating the Log Path and making specific requests like clog.php?filename=.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cacti 1.1.27
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
- Remote authenticated administrators can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the Log Path to be stored in a restricted directory and making requests to clog.php?filename=.
- Attackers can specify the target file to read, such as using filename=passwd to access sensitive files.
- For example, an attacker can read the contents of /etc/passwd by manipulating the Log Path located under /etc.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches or updates provided by Cacti to address this vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict access to sensitive directories and files within the Cacti application.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and update access controls and permissions within the Cacti application.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Cacti to ensure the latest patches are applied promptly.