CVE-2016-10790 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 60.0.25 does not use TLS for HTTP POSTs to listinput.cpanel.net (SEC-192).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10790 affects cPanel versions prior to 60.0.25 and represents a significant security flaw in the software's communication protocols. This issue specifically concerns the lack of Transport Layer Security implementation when cPanel performs HTTP POST operations to the external domain listinput.cpanel.net. The affected system fails to establish encrypted connections for these critical data transmission activities, creating a potential exposure point for malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from the software's default configuration that does not enforce secure communication channels for outbound requests to this particular service endpoint, which is used for various administrative and operational functions within the cPanel ecosystem.
The technical nature of this flaw lies in the absence of TLS encryption for specific HTTP POST requests that cPanel sends to listinput.cpanel.net. This omission creates a man-in-the-middle attack surface where sensitive data transmitted through these communications could be intercepted, modified, or stolen by adversaries positioned between the cPanel server and the target endpoint. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of data being transmitted, as HTTP POST requests typically carry authentication tokens, configuration data, and other sensitive operational information that should remain protected during transit. This flaw operates at the network protocol level, specifically affecting the application layer's security implementation and represents a deviation from established security best practices for secure communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate cPanel's administrative functions and potentially compromise entire hosting environments. When cPanel sends POST requests to listinput.cpanel.net without TLS encryption, it exposes the system to various attack vectors including credential theft, configuration manipulation, and potential privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on cPanel for hosting management, as it creates an attack surface that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to hosting accounts, manipulate server configurations, or disrupt normal operational procedures. This represents a significant risk for businesses that depend on cPanel's administrative capabilities and the integrity of their hosting infrastructure.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through inadequate encryption of network communications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol communication. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to cPanel version 60.0.25 or later, which implements proper TLS encryption for all HTTP POST requests to external endpoints. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect any unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts and consider additional security controls such as network segmentation and intrusion detection systems to protect against potential attacks targeting this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should be enhanced to ensure all system components maintain current security configurations and that proper encryption standards are enforced for all network communications.