CVE-2018-11222 Scanner

The Pandora FMS is extensively used for monitoring varied types of networks and servers, enabling system administrators to gain insights into system performance and availability. This software is equipped with a wide array of features that cater to the needs of both small and large enterprise networks. It is employed globally by organizations seeking comprehensive and customizable IT monitoring solutions. Users of Pandora FMS rely on it to monitor the status, health, and performance of several parameters from different operating systems. The platform offers capabilities to integrate and provide visual representations for easier data interpretation. Its flexible architecture facilitates seamless deployment in different network configurations.

The Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability in Pandora FMS can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems. This type of vulnerability is concerning as it allows attackers to run code remotely on a system without requiring physical access. When exploited, RCE can lead to a complete system compromise, providing attackers with the ability to manipulate data or functionalities within the system. The CVE-2018-11222, particularly, is concerning due to its association with file uploads and local file inclusion, making it a compound vulnerability. Such vulnerabilities, when disclosed, often necessitate urgent remediation to prevent malicious exploitation. The severity of this vulnerability underscores the importance of regular system updates and security assessments.

The technical details of this vulnerability involve the process of uploading a malicious PHP file by the attacker, masquerading as a plugin. Once uploaded, the attacker can exploit the Local File Inclusion (LFI) component to execute the malicious file, thus allowing the execution of arbitrary PHP code. The vulnerable endpoint for this attack lies in the update manager's Ajax functionality, which improperly processes file uploads. The parameters 'filename' and 'upfile' are of particular interest, as they are manipulated to upload and execute the malicious payload. This chain of exploits highlights the need for stringent input validation and secure coding practices to mitigate such risks. The execution of base64 encoded payloads further illustrates how encoding techniques can be used to obfuscate malicious actions.

If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences such as unauthorized access to sensitive data, server takeovers, and the launching of further attacks within a compromised network. Full system compromise is the most significant effect, where attackers gain control over infected systems to perform malicious activities or exfiltrate data. Moreover, the integrity and availability of affected systems can be jeopardized, disrupting business operations. The exploitability of this vulnerability makes it an appealing target for cybercriminals aiming to penetrate and manipulate enterprise networks. These potential effects necessitate immediate actions to safeguard systems against exploitation. It emphasizes the importance of vigilant security postures within any organization relying on software like Pandora FMS.

REFERENCES

• https://blog.hackercat.ninja/post/pandoras_box/
• https://github.com/pandorafms/pandorafms
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-11222