CVE-2020-15903 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue was found in Nagios XI before 5.7.3, leading to a privilege escalation vulnerability in backend scripts.

Understanding CVE-2020-15903

What is CVE-2020-15903?

CVE-2020-15903 is a vulnerability in Nagios XI versions prior to 5.7.3 that allows privilege escalation through editable files.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15903

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to escalate their privileges on the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15903

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from backend scripts running as root, with certain files being editable by the nagios user, creating a privilege escalation risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Nagios XI
Vendor: Nagios
Versions affected: All versions before 5.7.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the editable files accessible to the nagios user, allowing them to gain elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Nagios XI to version 5.7.3 or later to eliminate the privilege escalation vulnerability.
Restrict access to critical system files to authorized users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update file permissions to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Conduct security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Nagios to address known vulnerabilities.