CVE-2019-15949
HighExploitedPublic exploitNagios XI before 5.6.6 allows remote command execution as root.
Published Sep 5, 2019 · Updated Nov 6, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-15949 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Nagios Xi.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 77% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Nagios Xi 5.6.6.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
77%
Higher than 99.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2019-15949 brief as a PDF
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Description
Nagios XI before 5.6.6 allows remote command execution as root. The exploit requires access to the server as the nagios user, or access as the admin user via the web interface. The getprofile.sh script, invoked by downloading a system profile (profile.php?cmd=download), is executed as root via a passwordless sudo entry; the script executes check_plugin, which is owned by the nagios user. A user logged into Nagios XI with permissions to modify plugins, or the nagios user on the server, can modify the check_plugin executable and insert malicious commands to execute as root.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Nagios XiNagios | See advisory | 5.6.6 |
Patched Releases
Nagios Xi
5.6.6
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 5, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Nov 6, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
References
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/156676/Nagios-XI-Authenticated-Remote-Command-Execution.html
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/162158/Nagios-XI-getprofile.sh-Remote-Command-Execution.html
- exploithttps://github.com/jakgibb/nagiosxi-root-rce-exploit
- exploitMSF nagios_xi_plugins_check_plugin_authenticated_rce.rb
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
Nagios XI before 5.6.6 allows remote command execution as root.
Affected: Nagios Xi. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Nagios Xi 5.6.6.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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