CVE-2020-35476 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A remote code execution vulnerability in OpenTSDB through version 2.4.0 allows for command injection in the yrange parameter, leading to potential exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2020-35476

What is CVE-2020-35476?

The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the yrange parameter in OpenTSDB, potentially compromising the system.

The Impact of CVE-2020-35476

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows remote code execution, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-35476

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from command injection in the yrange parameter, which is subsequently written to a gnuplot file in the /tmp directory and executed via the mygnuplot.sh shell script.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions Affected: All versions up to and including 2.4.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs due to insufficient prevention of command injections by blocking backticks in tsd/GraphHandler.java, allowing malicious commands to be executed.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable OpenTSDB if not essential for operations
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure
Monitor system logs for suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update OpenTSDB to the latest version
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing
Educate users on secure coding practices

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by OpenTSDB promptly
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the OpenTSDB community