CVE-2019-9166 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-9166, a privilege escalation vulnerability in Nagios XI versions before 5.5.11, enabling local attackers to gain root access by manipulating specific files. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices here.
Nagios XI versions prior to 5.5.11 are vulnerable to a privilege escalation issue that allows local attackers to gain root-level access by manipulating specific files.
Understanding CVE-2019-9166
This CVE entry highlights a security vulnerability in Nagios XI versions before 5.5.11 that enables local attackers to escalate their privileges to root level.
What is CVE-2019-9166?
The vulnerability in Nagios XI versions prior to 5.5.11 allows local attackers to exploit certain files to elevate their privileges to root level.
The Impact of CVE-2019-9166
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected system, potentially resulting in severe security breaches.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-9166
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE-2019-9166 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
Local attackers can leverage the vulnerability in Nagios XI versions before 5.5.11 to escalate their privileges to root by gaining write access to specific files, namely config.inc.php and import_xiconfig.php.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vulnerable Systems: Nagios XI versions prior to 5.5.11
- Unaffected Systems: Nagios XI version 5.5.11 and above
Exploitation Mechanism
The privilege escalation to root level is achieved by manipulating the files config.inc.php and import_xiconfig.php, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-9166 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Nagios XI to version 5.5.11 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Restrict access to critical files and directories to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and audit file permissions to detect unauthorized changes.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights and minimize potential attack surfaces.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Nagios for Nagios XI.
- Apply patches promptly to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and system security is maintained.