CVE-2022-46169 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A command injection vulnerability has been identified in the Cacti open-source platform, allowing unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability affects Cacti versions prior to 1.2.23, exposing servers to potential exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2022-46169

In this section, we will delve deeper into the nature of the CVE-2022-46169 vulnerability, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-46169?

CVE-2022-46169 involves an unauthenticated command injection flaw in Cacti that enables malicious actors to run arbitrary commands on servers running vulnerable versions of the platform.

The Impact of CVE-2022-46169

The vulnerability allows threat actors to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized commands by exploiting a specific data source selection. This poses a critical risk to the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-46169

Let's explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2022-46169 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The command injection vulnerability resides in the 'remote_agent.php' file within Cacti, where an unauthenticated user can manipulate the 'poller_item' with 'POLLER_ACTION_SCRIPT_PHP' to execute arbitrary commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cacti versions prior to 1.2.23 are susceptible to this vulnerability, putting servers at risk of unauthorized code execution and potential system compromise.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating specific request parameters such as 'poller_id' and 'id', threat actors can trigger command injections and execute arbitrary scripts on the target server, exploiting the flaw in the 'proc_open' function.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the recommended steps to mitigate the CVE-2022-46169 vulnerability and protect your systems from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators are advised to update Cacti to version 1.2.23 or later to patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized command executions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, monitoring for suspicious activities, and conducting regular security audits can fortify your system against command injection attacks.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor security advisories and apply patches promptly to ensure that your systems are protected from known vulnerabilities.