CVE-2011-4728 in Plesk Panel
Summary
by MITRE
The Server Administration Panel in Parallels Plesk Panel 10.2.0_build1011110331.18 does not set the secure flag for a cookie in an https session, which makes it easier for remote attackers to capture this cookie by intercepting its transmission within an http session, as demonstrated by cookies used by login_up.php3 and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4728 affects Parallels Plesk Panel version 10.2.0_build101110331.18 and represents a critical security flaw in the server administration panel's cookie handling mechanism. This issue stems from the improper configuration of session cookies that are transmitted over secure HTTPS connections, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise administrative access to web hosting environments. The flaw specifically impacts the login_up.php3 script and related authentication components within the Plesk control panel interface.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the failure to implement proper cookie security attributes, particularly the secure flag that should be set for all session cookies transmitted over encrypted channels. When a cookie lacks the secure flag, it becomes susceptible to transmission over unencrypted HTTP connections, making it vulnerable to interception through man-in-the-middle attacks or network eavesdropping techniques. This weakness enables attackers to capture authentication cookies during session establishment or maintenance phases, potentially leading to unauthorized administrative access to the hosting platform. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-614, which addresses the insecure transmission of sensitive information through the use of cookies without proper security flags, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through credential harvesting.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session hijacking, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain complete administrative control over the Plesk server and all associated hosting accounts. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized modifications to website configurations, access customer data, create malicious accounts, or deploy malware across multiple hosted domains. The risk is particularly elevated in shared hosting environments where multiple customers' data resides on the same server infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate authentication process but also undermines the entire security model of the Plesk administration panel, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data and user credentials across multiple domains managed through the platform.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Plesk version, which was addressed in subsequent releases through proper cookie configuration. Organizations should implement comprehensive cookie security policies that mandate the use of secure flags for all session cookies, particularly those used in authentication contexts. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect unusual cookie transmission patterns and potential interception attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication to provide defense-in-depth against credential compromise. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cookie security implementation in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions and sensitive user data, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and OWASP Top Ten security controls for session management and authentication.