CVE-2015-4117 in Control Panel
Summary
by MITRE
Vesta Control Panel before 0.9.8-14 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the backup parameter to list/backup/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4117 affects Vesta Control Panel versions prior to 09814, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary system commands. This vulnerability resides within the backup functionality of the control panel, specifically in the list/backup/index.php script where user input is improperly sanitized. The flaw manifests when an authenticated user submits malicious shell metacharacters through the backup parameter, allowing the application to interpret and execute these commands with the privileges of the web server process. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented pattern that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, which categorize command injection and code injection respectively. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious input that includes shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that are not properly escaped or validated before being passed to system execution functions. The vulnerability operates under the principle that user-supplied data flows directly into system commands without adequate sanitization, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the command execution flow. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by authenticated users who may have legitimate access to the control panel, making detection more challenging as the malicious activity appears to originate from a legitimate user account.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4117 extends beyond simple command execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access sensitive system files, manipulate backup configurations, potentially gain root privileges, and establish persistent access to the compromised server. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that Vesta Control Panel is commonly used for hosting environments where it manages multiple user accounts and domains, meaning a successful exploitation could affect numerous websites and applications hosted on the same server. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate authentication mechanisms to execute malicious commands while potentially using compromised accounts to maintain access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4117 primarily focus on immediate remediation through patching the control panel to version 0.9.8-14 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to control panel interfaces, enforce strict authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication, and monitor for unusual backup activities or command execution patterns. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, conducting regular security audits of control panel configurations, and establishing robust logging and monitoring for command execution within the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly benign functionality can become a gateway for sophisticated attacks when proper security controls are not implemented.