CVE-2020-35578 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the vulnerability in Nagios XI before 5.8.0 allowing remote, authenticated admin users to execute operating-system commands. Learn how to mitigate and prevent this issue.
An issue was discovered in the Manage Plugins page in Nagios XI before 5.8.0, allowing a remote, authenticated admin user to execute operating-system commands.
Understanding CVE-2020-35578
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Nagios XI that could be exploited by an authenticated admin user to run operating-system commands.
What is CVE-2020-35578?
The vulnerability in Nagios XI before version 5.8.0 arises from mishandling the line-ending conversion feature during a plugin upload, enabling an authenticated admin user to execute commands.
The Impact of CVE-2020-35578
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker with admin privileges to execute arbitrary operating-system commands, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and system compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-35578
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The issue occurs in the Manage Plugins page of Nagios XI before version 5.8.0 due to improper handling of line-ending conversions during plugin uploads.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Nagios XI
- Vendor: Nagios
- Versions affected: All versions before 5.8.0
Exploitation Mechanism
An authenticated admin user can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a malicious plugin, triggering the mishandling of line-ending conversions and allowing the execution of unauthorized commands.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-35578 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Nagios XI to version 5.8.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor plugin uploads for suspicious activities.
- Restrict admin privileges to trusted users.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Nagios XI to address security vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security training for administrators to recognize and respond to potential threats.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by Nagios promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.