Exploits Discovered - Published CVE-2017-16834

Title: pnp4nagios root privilege escalation via insecure permissions

Author: Michael Orlitzky

Fixed in: Commit 23c123f

pnp4nagios installed executables and configuration files so they were writable by the same unprivileged account that ran npcd. The account could replace the daemon executable or configure a malicious action and alter npcd.cfg so that action would execute with root privileges.

Michael Orlitzky’s detailed advisory provides the full technical disclosure and remediation references for CVE-2017-16834.

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) provides standard public identifiers for known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. MITRE maintains the CVE program and coordinates its vulnerability-identification ecosystem in the public interest.

Founded in 1994, Metro Data, Inc. is an information-systems and services firm that works exclusively with business clients to develop and apply technology solutions aligned with client goals.

Metro Data’s end-to-end experience helps customers keep pace with changing technology, secure systems, reduce costs, and improve information-system performance.

Michael J. Orlitzky is a long-time Metro Data technical leader with a Ph.D. in mathematics who has discovered and helped remediate vulnerabilities in operating systems and application software, with research recognized by industry and academic peers.