1. Introduction
FireStats Detection identifies instances of the open source web statistics application, FireStats, running on remote web servers. This is a concern because older versions may contain known vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access. Affected systems are typically those hosting public-facing websites or applications using PHP.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability arises from the presence of the FireStats application itself, which has historically been subject to security issues. An attacker could exploit known flaws in the code to execute arbitrary commands on the server. Preconditions include network access to the web server and a functioning PHP interpreter.
- Root cause: The open source nature of FireStats means it may contain unpatched vulnerabilities or insecure default configurations.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker could send crafted HTTP requests to exploit known flaws within the application’s PHP code, potentially leading to remote code execution.
- Scope: Affected platforms are web servers running PHP and hosting the FireStats application. Specific versions depend on the age of the installation.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming a vulnerable system involves identifying whether the FireStats application is installed. A quick check can be performed by browsing to common installation paths, while thorough assessment requires examining the application’s code.
- Quick checks: Check for the presence of files or directories associated with FireStats in the web server’s document root (e.g., /firestats/).
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16478 can identify instances of FireStats, but results should be verified manually.
- Logs and evidence: Web server access logs may show requests to files within the /firestats/ directory.
# Example command placeholder:
# ls -l /var/www/html/firestats/
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary solution is to remove or update the FireStats application. If no longer needed, removal is recommended. If required, ensure it’s updated to the latest version.
4.1 Preparation
- Services: Stop the web server service (e.g., Apache or Nginx) if removing FireStats. A roll back plan involves restoring from the backup.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: If no longer needed, delete the /firestats/ directory and all its contents using a command like `rm -rf /var/www/html/firestats/`.
- Step 2: If required, download the latest version of FireStats from http://firestats.cc/.
- Step 3: Replace the existing FireStats files with the downloaded version.
4.3 Config or Code Example
This vulnerability does not have a specific config change, but relates to the presence of the application itself.
Before
# /var/www/html/firestats/ exists with older files.After
# /var/www/html/firestats/ either does not exist, or contains the latest version of FireStats files.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this issue.
- Least privilege: Limit the web server user’s permissions to reduce the impact if exploited.
- Patch cadence: Regularly update all software, including PHP and any web applications.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation is not typically suitable for this vulnerability due to the need for careful file deletion or replacement.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that FireStats has been removed or updated. Check for the presence of files and directories, and re-run detection methods.
- Post-fix check: `ls -l /var/www/html/firestats/` should return “No such file or directory” if removed.
- Re-test: Re-run the Nessus scan (ID 16478) to confirm it no longer detects FireStats.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any unexpected requests related to FireStats.
# Post-fix command and expected output
# ls -l /var/www/html/firestats/
# No such file or directory
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Preventive measures include regular security assessments and software updates.
- Baselines: Include FireStats in your web server baseline configuration, specifying removal if not required.
- Pipelines: Implement a process for reviewing and approving all third-party applications installed on web servers.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular schedule for scanning web servers for outdated software.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Removing a required application can cause downtime.
- Roll back: Restore the web server from the backup taken prior to making changes.
8. References and Resources
Resources related to this vulnerability are limited, as it depends on the specific version of FireStats.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://firestats.cc/
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE exists for the presence of FireStats itself, but individual vulnerabilities may be listed.