CVE-2016-10785 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 60.0.25 allows attackers to discover file contents during file copy operations (SEC-185).
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10785 affects cPanel versions prior to 60.0.25 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that emerges during file copy operations within the web-based control panel interface. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file system access during copy operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to enumerate and potentially access sensitive file contents that they should not have permission to view. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes file copy requests without adequately verifying the user's authorization level or the target file's accessibility constraints, allowing attackers to exploit this weakness through crafted requests that bypass normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition or improper access control validation within the file handling subsystem of cPanel's web interface. When users attempt to copy files through the graphical interface or API endpoints, the system fails to perform comprehensive permission checks against the source and destination files, potentially allowing an attacker with limited access to enumerate file system contents that should remain restricted. This issue falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct API calls, web interface manipulation, or through automated tools that can systematically probe the file system structure to identify accessible files and their contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain insights into the target system's file structure, potentially revealing sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data that could serve as a foundation for further exploitation. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to map out the entire file system hierarchy, identify critical system files, locate backup archives, or discover other vulnerable applications running on the same server. This information gathering capability significantly increases the risk profile of systems running vulnerable cPanel versions, as it provides attackers with detailed knowledge of the target environment that could be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also has implications for compliance and regulatory requirements, as it could lead to unauthorized data exposure that violates data protection standards and security frameworks.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to cPanel version 60.0.25 or later, which includes proper access control validation and input sanitization measures that address the root cause of the issue. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous file access patterns and unauthorized enumeration attempts. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive access control reviews, ensuring that all file operations are properly validated against user permissions, and implementing proper logging of file copy operations for audit purposes. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file enumeration patterns. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and credential access, as the information disclosure can enable attackers to gather credentials, system information, or other sensitive data that could facilitate further compromise of the affected systems.