CVE-2015-9291 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 11.52.0.13 does not prevent arbitrary file-read operations via get_information_for_applications (CPANEL-1221).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9291 represents a critical security flaw in cPanel software versions prior to 11.52.0.13, where the system fails to adequately validate user input during file access operations. This weakness specifically affects the get_information_for_applications function which is designed to retrieve application-related data but lacks proper access controls that would prevent unauthorized file system traversal and reading. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of parameters passed to the application information retrieval mechanism, allowing malicious actors to exploit this functionality for unauthorized data access.
This flaw operates under the broader category of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities as classified by CWE-284, where the application provides direct access to objects based on user-supplied input without proper authorization checks. The technical implementation allows attackers to manipulate input parameters to the get_information_for_applications function, potentially enabling them to read arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability can be exploited through crafted requests that manipulate the application interface to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information that should be restricted to authorized users only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system files, configuration data, and potentially user credentials stored within the cPanel environment. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into the system architecture, identify other potential attack vectors, and extract sensitive data that could be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within the network. The implications are particularly severe in shared hosting environments where multiple users operate under a single cPanel instance, as unauthorized access to one user's files could potentially compromise the entire hosting environment.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of cPanel version 11.52.0.13 or later, which includes proper input validation and access control mechanisms for the get_information_for_applications function. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation, monitor for suspicious file access patterns, and conduct regular security audits to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering and credential access phases, where adversaries seek to extract sensitive data from compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability, while maintaining comprehensive logging of all file access operations to enable forensic analysis if exploitation occurs.