CVE-2016-10788 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 60.0.25 allows arbitrary code execution via Maketext in PostgreSQL adminbin (SEC-188).
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10788 represents a critical arbitrary code execution flaw within cPanel software versions prior to 60.0.25. This vulnerability specifically affects the PostgreSQL adminbin component and leverages the Maketext functionality to enable remote attackers to execute malicious code on affected systems. The flaw resides in how the software processes user-supplied input within the PostgreSQL administrative interface, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Maketext processing module of cPanel's PostgreSQL administration tools. When administrators or authenticated users interact with the PostgreSQL adminbin functionality, the system fails to properly sanitize data passed through the Maketext parameter. This allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the context of the cPanel process, potentially with elevated privileges depending on the system configuration and user permissions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication for certain attack scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments where multiple users may have administrative access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to database contents, modify or delete sensitive information, install backdoors, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. In shared hosting environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to compromise multiple customer accounts and databases hosted on the same server. The security implications are severe as it undermines the fundamental trust model of web hosting platforms and can result in regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage for affected organizations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to cPanel version 60.0.25 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unusual database activity, and conducting comprehensive security audits of their PostgreSQL installations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-94 categories, representing code injection flaws that allow arbitrary command execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components of the hosting infrastructure, as the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in administrative interfaces.