CVE-2023-49088 : Security Advisory and Response

Cacti has an incomplete fix for CVE-2023-39515 which poses a medium severity risk due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation (Cross-site Scripting).

Understanding CVE-2023-49088

This CVE highlights a vulnerability in Cacti, an open-source operational monitoring and fault management framework.

What is CVE-2023-49088?

CVE-2023-49088 points out an incomplete fix for a previous vulnerability (CVE-2023-39515) in Cacti version 1.2.25.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49088

The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute malicious code through a cross-site scripting attack by manipulating data sources in

data_debug.php

. This could lead to high impact on confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49088

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The incomplete fix in Cacti version 1.2.25 enables an adversary, with authorized user permissions, to execute malicious code by hovering over a manipulated data source path in

data_debug.php

.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cacti version <= 1.2.25 is affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an adversary needs to be an authorized Cacti user with specific permissions related to

General Administration>Sites/Devices/Data

.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2023-49088 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security best practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to restrict access to

data_debug.php

and closely monitor for any suspicious activities. Consider upgrading to a patched version when available.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Cacti installations, educate users on safe browsing practices, and enforce the principle of least privilege to mitigate similar risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by Cacti and promptly apply updates to ensure the latest protections are in place.