CVE-2018-20723 : Security Advisory and Response

Cacti version 1.2.0 and earlier contain a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the color_templates.php file due to improper handling of the Name field for a Color.

Understanding CVE-2018-20723

This CVE entry describes a security issue in Cacti versions 1.2.0 and below that could be exploited through a cross-site scripting vulnerability.

What is CVE-2018-20723?

A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists in the color_templates.php file in Cacti versions prior to 1.2.0. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20723

The XSS vulnerability in Cacti can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential manipulation of user interactions on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20723

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper escaping of unintended characters in the Name field for a Color in Cacti versions before 1.2.0.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cacti
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: Cacti version 1.2.0 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the Name field for a Color, which can then be executed when viewed by other users in the Cacti application.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20723 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Cacti to version 1.2.0 or later to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit user inputs to detect and prevent malicious script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to sanitize user inputs and prevent XSS attacks.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of XSS vulnerabilities and how to identify and report suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Cacti to apply patches promptly and ensure the system's security.