CVE-2023-39359 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-39359, an authenticated SQL injection vulnerability found in Cacti's

graphs.php

file, allowing for privilege escalation and remote code execution.

Understanding CVE-2023-39359

Cacti, an open-source operational monitoring and fault management framework, is affected by an SQL injection vulnerability that poses a high risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

What is CVE-2023-39359?

An authenticated SQL injection vulnerability in Cacti's

graphs.php

file allows authenticated users to exploit the

site_id

parameter, leading to SQL injection, privilege escalation, and potentially remote code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2023-39359

The flaw results in a high-severity risk to affected systems, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, and disrupt monitoring and fault management processes.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-39359

The vulnerability, with a CVSS base score of 8.8, affects Cacti versions prior to 1.2.25. Immediate patching is recommended to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Vulnerability Description

The SQL injection vulnerability is triggered by the improper validation of the

site_id

parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL queries and compromise the application's security.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cacti versions earlier than 1.2.25 are vulnerable to this exploit, putting systems at a high risk of compromise.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access can abuse the

site_id

parameter in

graphs.php

, leading to SQL injection, privilege escalation, and potentially remote code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-39359 and secure Cacti installations, users must apply the necessary patches and follow security best practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Cacti to version 1.2.25 or later to mitigate the SQL injection vulnerability. Regularly monitor for security updates and apply patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust input validation mechanisms, conduct regular security assessments, and educate users on secure coding practices to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cacti and promptly apply patches to secure your monitoring and fault management systems.