CVE-2011-4749 in Plesk Panel
Summary
by MITRE
The billing system for Parallels Plesk Panel 10.3.1_build1013110726.09 generates a password form field without disabling the autocomplete feature, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass authentication by leveraging an unattended workstation, as demonstrated by forms on certain pages under admin/index.php/default.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4749 resides within the billing system of Parallels Plesk Panel version 10.3.1_build1013110726.09, representing a critical security flaw that undermines authentication mechanisms through improper form field configuration. This issue manifests specifically in the administrative interface where password input fields are generated without explicitly disabling the autocomplete functionality, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors. The vulnerability operates under the principle that when autocomplete is enabled on password fields, browsers automatically store and suggest previously entered credentials, potentially allowing unauthorized access when users access the system from shared or unattended workstations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the web application's failure to properly configure HTML form attributes for password input fields. When a web form includes the autocomplete="on" attribute or defaults to the browser's automatic behavior, it creates an opportunity for credential theft through session hijacking or unauthorized access attempts. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-621, which addresses the improper disabling of autocomplete features for sensitive data fields, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between the browser and the user's authentication history, making it especially effective against unattended workstations where users may have previously logged in and had their credentials cached.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4749 extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential full system compromise when attackers exploit this weakness in conjunction with other attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by simply accessing an unattended workstation where a user has previously logged in, as the browser's autocomplete feature will automatically populate the password field with cached credentials. This attack model fits within the ATT&CK framework under T1110, specifically the technique for Brute Force/Password Guessing, but with an enhanced success rate due to the automatic credential population. The vulnerability affects the administrative interface at admin/index.php/default, which serves as a critical entry point for system management functions, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system configurations, user data, and billing information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper HTML form attributes to disable autocomplete functionality on password fields. The most effective solution involves adding autocomplete="off" to all password input elements within the affected administrative interfaces, ensuring that browsers do not cache or suggest credentials for these sensitive fields. Additionally, system administrators should implement comprehensive security policies requiring regular password updates and session timeout configurations. The fix should be applied across all affected pages under the administrative interface, particularly those related to billing and user management functions. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms as additional defense layers, and conduct regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The remediation process aligns with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and secure configuration management to prevent credential-related security incidents.