Description
Cacti provides an operational monitoring and fault management framework. Prior to version 1.2.27, Cacti calls `compat_password_hash` when users set their password. `compat_password_hash` use `password_hash` if there is it, else use `md5`. When verifying password, it calls `compat_password_verify`. In `compat_password_verify`, `password_verify` is called if there is it, else use `md5`. `password_verify` and `password_hash` are supported on PHP < 5.5.0, following PHP manual. The vulnerability is in `compat_password_verify`. Md5-hashed user input is compared with correct password in database by `$md5 == $hash`. It is a loose comparison, not `===`. It is a type juggling vulnerability. Version 1.2.27 contains a patch for the issue.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2024-34732
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability identified in EUVD-2024-34732 affects Cacti, an operational monitoring and fault management framework. The issue arises from the use of a loose comparison (==) instead of a strict comparison (===) in the compat_password_verify function. This results in a type juggling vulnerability, which can lead to unauthorized access.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 9.1 (CVSS:3.1)
- Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
The high base score indicates a critical vulnerability due to the potential for high confidentiality and integrity impacts. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires low complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and there is no impact on availability (A:N).
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attacks: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network.
- Authentication Bypass: The loose comparison in
compat_password_verifycan allow an attacker to bypass authentication mechanisms by crafting specific input that matches the loose comparison criteria.
Exploitation Methods:
- Type Juggling: An attacker can exploit the type juggling vulnerability by submitting specially crafted input that matches the loose comparison criteria. For example, submitting a password that, when hashed with MD5, results in a value that matches the stored hash in a loose comparison.
- Brute Force: Attackers may use brute force techniques to find a matching input that exploits the loose comparison.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Cacti versions prior to 1.2.27
Software Versions:
- All versions of Cacti before 1.2.27 are vulnerable.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to Cacti version 1.2.27 or later, which contains the patch for this vulnerability.
- Temporary Workaround: If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms or monitoring for suspicious login attempts.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Regular Updates: Ensure that all software, including Cacti, is regularly updated to the latest versions.
- Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- Strong Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of security.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability in Cacti poses a significant risk to organizations using this framework for operational monitoring and fault management. Given the critical nature of these systems, a successful exploit could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential disruption of services. This underscores the importance of timely patching and regular security assessments to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of European cyber infrastructure.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Function Affected:
compat_password_verify - Issue: Loose comparison (
==) instead of strict comparison (===) - Impact: Allows for type juggling, leading to potential authentication bypass
Code Analysis:
- Vulnerable Code:
if ($md5 == $hash) { // Authentication successful } - Patched Code:
if ($md5 === $hash) { // Authentication successful }
References:
Additional Recommendations:
- Monitoring: Implement monitoring for unusual login attempts and failed authentication events.
- Logging: Ensure comprehensive logging of authentication events to facilitate incident response.
- User Education: Educate users about the importance of strong passwords and the risks associated with weak authentication mechanisms.
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.