CVE-2023-49086 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-49086, a vulnerability in Cacti that exposes users to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-49086

This section will delve into the nature of the vulnerability in Cacti and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-49086?

Cacti, a performance and fault management framework, is susceptible to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the

graphs_new.php

component. This vulnerability allows an authorized user to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49086

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to the execution of malicious code in a user's browser, potentially compromising sensitive data and user interactions. It is crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49086

In this section, we will explore the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Cacti (<= 1.2.25) allows attackers to perform a DOM-based XSS attack by bypassing a previous fix (CVE-2023-39360). The

graphs_new.php

component is particularly vulnerable, enabling the injection of arbitrary JavaScript code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cacti versions up to and including 1.2.25 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions should take immediate action to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authorized users can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating input data in the

graphs_new.php

component, leading to the execution of malicious scripts in the victim's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps that users and administrators can take to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-49086.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Cacti version 1.2.25 and below should update to version 1.2.26, where the vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, users should be cautious while interacting with potentially malicious inputs to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about the latest security updates are essential for maintaining the integrity of Cacti deployments.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Cacti to the latest version is critical to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed, and security enhancements are applied promptly.