CVE-2011-4757 in Plesk Small Business Panel
Summary
by MITRE
Parallels Plesk Small Business Panel 10.2.0 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 in smb/auth and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4757 affects Parallels Plesk Small Business Panel version 10.2.0 and represents a critical security flaw in the authentication mechanism of the web-based control panel. This issue stems from the improper configuration of HTML form elements within the application's user interface, specifically in the authentication and authorization components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it creates an attack vector that can be exploited by remote adversaries who gain access to an unattended workstation, making it a significant risk for environments where physical security controls may be inadequate.
The technical flaw manifests in the implementation of password input fields within the web application's user interface where the autocomplete attribute is not properly disabled. This configuration allows web browsers to automatically populate password fields with previously stored credentials, effectively bypassing the authentication process. The vulnerability specifically impacts forms located in the smb/auth directory and other related files within the application's codebase. According to CWE-384, this represents a session management weakness where the application fails to properly handle sensitive information, creating a condition that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The flaw directly relates to the improper handling of user authentication data and the failure to implement secure input field configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to leverage the convenience features of modern web browsers against the security controls of the Plesk panel. When an unattended workstation is accessed by an unauthorized individual, the attacker can exploit the autocomplete functionality to automatically fill in password fields and gain immediate access to the control panel without requiring knowledge of valid credentials. This attack vector is particularly dangerous in shared office environments or locations where physical access to workstations cannot be strictly controlled. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and weak session management, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the credential access tactic where adversaries can obtain credentials through the exploitation of application weaknesses.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the fact that it affects the core authentication mechanism of the Plesk control panel, which is used by system administrators to manage hosting services and user accounts. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to customer data, modify hosting configurations, and potentially compromise multiple domains managed through the affected panel. The vulnerability also creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the affected version is deployed, making it a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Organizations using Plesk Small Business Panel should implement immediate mitigations including disabling autocomplete attributes on all password forms, updating to patched versions of the software, and implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of exploitation.
The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input field configuration and the need for security-conscious development practices in web applications. It demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues in HTML forms can create significant security risks that can be exploited by adversaries with minimal technical expertise. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in autocomplete attributes and other input field configurations. The remediation process should include not only patching the affected software but also implementing security policies that require proper HTML attribute configuration for sensitive input fields. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of following secure coding practices and the potential consequences of overlooking basic security controls in web application development.