CVE-2016-10779 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 60.0.25 allows stored XSS in api1_listautoresponders (SEC-179).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2016-10779 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw discovered in cPanel versions prior to 60.0.25, specifically affecting the api1_listautoresponders functionality. This issue falls under the category of persistent XSS attacks where malicious input is stored on the server and subsequently executed when users access the affected interface. The vulnerability resides within the cPanel administrative interface, which serves as a critical control point for web hosting administrators managing multiple domains and email accounts. Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can persist for extended periods and affect multiple users who interact with the compromised system.
The technical flaw manifests when the api1_listautoresponders function fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in the web interface. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through the autoresponder configuration parameters, which are then stored in the system's database. When legitimate users access the autoresponder management page, the malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially compromising their session cookies, redirecting them to malicious sites, or executing unauthorized actions on their behalf. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative API endpoint that handles autoresponder list operations, making it a critical vector for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to cPanel environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to compromised systems. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving client-side exploitation and credential access through session hijacking. The attack surface includes not only the immediate cPanel environment but also any applications or services that rely on cPanel's administrative functions. Organizations using older cPanel versions face significant risk, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal administrative credentials, modify email configurations, or deploy additional malware within the hosting environment. The persistence of stored XSS makes this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking long-term access to compromised hosting accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10779 require immediate patching of cPanel installations to version 60.0.25 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding for the affected API endpoint. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious API requests and regular security audits of administrative interfaces. The CWE database categorizes this vulnerability as CWE-79, representing Cross-site Scripting, with specific emphasis on stored XSS variants. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls should be enforced to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation, while regular security training for administrators helps prevent social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in API endpoints and provide real-time alerts for potential XSS attempts.