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Mallory
CriticalPublic exploit

RCE via OS command injection in Lilac-Reloaded for Nagios 2.0.8 autodiscovery (nmap_binary)

IdentifiersCVE-2023-53948CWE-78· Improper Neutralization of Special…

Lilac-Reloaded for Nagios 2.0.8 contains a remote code execution vulnerability in its autodiscovery feature. The autodiscovery endpoint accepts a user-controlled parameter, nmap_binary, which is insufficiently filtered/validated before being used in a way that allows injection of arbitrary OS commands. By sending a crafted POST request to the autodiscovery endpoint with malicious content in nmap_binary, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the underlying host (e.g., to spawn a reverse shell). This is an OS command injection issue (CWE-78).

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

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Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Remote, unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the server running Lilac-Reloaded for Nagios 2.0.8, including establishing a reverse shell. Successful exploitation can result in full compromise of the affected system (confidentiality/integrity/availability impact consistent with critical severity; reported CVSS v3.1 9.8 and CVSS v4.0 9.3).

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

Restrict network access to the autodiscovery endpoint (e.g., limit to trusted admin networks/VPN, enforce firewall/ACL rules, or place behind an authenticated reverse proxy). Until patched, reduce exposure by disabling the autodiscovery feature if operationally feasible, and implement compensating controls such as WAF rules to block suspicious nmap_binary values and monitoring/alerting for unexpected process execution or outbound reverse-shell behavior.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Update/upgrade Lilac-Reloaded for Nagios to a fixed/latest version that addresses improper handling of the autodiscovery nmap_binary parameter. Ensure the vendor-provided patch (or updated release) includes strict input validation/allowlisting for executable paths and safe process invocation that prevents command injection.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

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Detection signatures

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