CVE-2013-10053 in ZPanel
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2025
A remote command execution vulnerability exists in ZPanel version 10.0.0.2 in its htpasswd module. When creating .htaccess files, the inHTUsername field is passed unsanitized to a system() call that invokes the system’s htpasswd binary. By injecting shell metacharacters into the username field, an authenticated attacker can execute arbitrary system commands. Exploitation requires a valid ZPanel account—such as one in the default Users, Resellers, or Administrators groups—but no elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2013-10053 represents a critical remote command execution flaw in ZPanel version 10.0.0.2 within its htpasswd module functionality. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data when creating protected directory configurations through .htaccess files. The flaw specifically affects the inHTUsername field which is directly passed to a system() function call without adequate sanitization or escaping, creating a dangerous path for malicious input injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection pattern where the application constructs system commands by concatenating user input directly into shell execution contexts. When an authenticated user submits a username containing shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or backticks, these characters are interpreted by the underlying shell during the system() call execution. The system() function invokes the standard htpasswd binary with the unsanitized username parameter, allowing attackers to append additional commands that execute with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 and CWE-88 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, specifically addressing improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server with the privileges of the web application user. Since the exploitation requires only a valid ZPanel account from the default user groups, the attack surface is relatively broad and accessible to users who may not have elevated administrative privileges. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system resources, install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or escalate their privileges within the compromised environment. The vulnerability operates at the application level and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive user data or system administration functions. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data before processing. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input filtering that removes or escapes special shell metacharacters from the username field, ensuring that only safe alphanumeric characters and standard username formatting are accepted. Additionally, the application should avoid using system() calls with unsanitized user input and instead implement proper parameterized command execution or utilize dedicated libraries for password management that do not rely on direct shell invocation. Organizations should also consider implementing input length restrictions, character set validation, and regular security code reviews to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities. The most effective long-term solution involves replacing the vulnerable system() call with secure alternatives that properly handle user input through parameterized interfaces rather than direct string concatenation, thereby preventing the injection of malicious commands through the username field.