Source: cve@mitre.org
The handle_request function in lib/HTTPServer.pm in Monitorix before 3.3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the URI.
Monitorix versions prior to 3.3.1 are vulnerable to a critical command injection flaw. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server by injecting malicious shell metacharacters into the HTTP request URI, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious HTTP GET request. The URI of the request contains shell metacharacters (e.g., ;, |, &, $ ) followed by the attacker's desired command.
Step 2: Request Processing: The Monitorix server receives the malicious HTTP request and passes the URI to the handle_request function.
Step 3: Command Injection: The handle_request function, due to the lack of proper sanitization, directly incorporates the attacker-controlled URI into a system command.
Step 4: Command Execution: The operating system shell interprets the injected metacharacters and executes the attacker's command, granting the attacker control over the server.
Step 5: Result: The attacker's command is executed, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further malicious activity.
The vulnerability stems from the handle_request function within lib/HTTPServer.pm in Monitorix. This function fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input from the URI before passing it to shell commands. Specifically, the code directly concatenates the URI with system commands without proper input validation or escaping of shell metacharacters. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands within the URI, which are then executed by the underlying operating system. The root cause is a lack of input validation and command injection protection within the handle_request function, leading to remote code execution.
While no specific APT groups are definitively linked to CVE-2013-7070, the nature of the vulnerability makes it attractive to various threat actors. This type of vulnerability is often leveraged by opportunistic attackers and could be used as an initial access vector. Not listed on CISA KEV due to its age and the lack of recent specific exploitation reports, but the potential impact warrants attention.
Monitor network traffic for suspicious HTTP GET requests containing shell metacharacters (e.g., ;, |, &, $ ) in the URI.
Monitor server logs for unusual command executions or error messages related to command execution.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block command injection attempts.
Analyze system logs for unexpected processes or network connections originating from the Monitorix server.
Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures specifically designed to identify command injection attempts.
Upgrade Monitorix to version 3.3.1 or later.
Implement input validation to sanitize all user-supplied input, including the URI, before passing it to system commands. This should include escaping shell metacharacters.
Use parameterized queries or prepared statements when interacting with databases to prevent SQL injection (if applicable).
Apply the principle of least privilege to the Monitorix service account, limiting its access to only the necessary resources.
Regularly scan the system for vulnerabilities and apply security patches promptly.
Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic.