Description
Nagios XI versions prior to 2024R2 contain a command injection vulnerability in the WinRM plugin. Insufficient validation of user-supplied parameters allows an authenticated administrator to inject shell metacharacters that are incorporated into backend command invocations. Successful exploitation enables arbitrary command execution with the privileges of the Nagios XI web application user and can be leveraged to modify configuration, exfiltrate data, disrupt monitoring operations, or execute commands on the underlying host operating system.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-37213
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability in Nagios XI versions prior to 2024R2 involves a command injection flaw in the WinRM plugin. This vulnerability allows an authenticated administrator to inject shell metacharacters into backend command invocations due to insufficient validation of user-supplied parameters. The severity of this vulnerability is rated with a CVSS Base Score of 9.4, which is considered critical. The CVSS vector string CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H indicates the following:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal complexity.
- Authentication (AT): None (N) - No additional authentication is required beyond the initial access.
- Privileges Required (PR): High (H) - The attacker must be an authenticated administrator.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required.
- Confidentiality (VC), Integrity (VI), Availability (VA): High (H) - Successful exploitation results in high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Scope Change (SC), Scope Integrity (SI), Scope Availability (SA): High (H) - The impact extends beyond the security scope of the vulnerable component.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector is through the WinRM plugin in Nagios XI. An authenticated administrator can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious shell metacharacters into the parameters processed by the WinRM plugin. This can lead to arbitrary command execution with the privileges of the Nagios XI web application user. Potential exploitation methods include:
- Command Injection: Crafting input that includes shell metacharacters to execute arbitrary commands.
- Configuration Modification: Altering Nagios XI configurations to disrupt monitoring operations.
- Data Exfiltration: Extracting sensitive data from the Nagios XI system.
- System Compromise: Executing commands on the underlying host operating system, potentially leading to further compromise.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects Nagios XI versions prior to 2024R2. Organizations using these versions are at risk and should prioritize updating to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Update to the Latest Version: Upgrade to Nagios XI version 2024R2 or later, which includes the fix for this vulnerability.
- Input Validation: Implement additional input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent command injection.
- Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that the Nagios XI web application user has the minimum necessary privileges.
- Monitoring and Logging: Enhance monitoring and logging to detect and respond to any suspicious activities related to the WinRM plugin.
- Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential security issues.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations within the European Union that rely on Nagios XI for monitoring their IT infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, service disruptions, and potential violations of data protection regulations such as GDPR. Organizations must act promptly to address this vulnerability to maintain compliance and protect their systems and data.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
- Vulnerability Type: Command Injection
- Affected Component: WinRM Plugin in Nagios XI
- Exploitation Requirements: Authenticated administrator access
- Impact: Arbitrary command execution, configuration modification, data exfiltration, monitoring disruption, system compromise
- Mitigation: Upgrade to Nagios XI version 2024R2 or later, implement input validation, enforce least privilege, enhance monitoring and logging, conduct regular security audits
References
Conclusion
The command injection vulnerability in Nagios XI versions prior to 2024R2 is critical and requires immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version and implementing additional security measures to protect against potential exploitation. The impact on the European cybersecurity landscape underscores the importance of prompt action to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.