CVE-2016-10799 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 58.0.4 does not set the Pear tmp directory during a PHP installation (SEC-137).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10799 affects cPanel versions prior to 58.0.4 and relates to improper configuration of the PHP installation process within the cPanel environment. This issue specifically concerns the failure to properly set the PEAR temporary directory during PHP installation, creating a potential security exposure that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from the cPanel software's handling of PHP package management components, particularly those related to PEAR (PHP Extension and Application Repository) installation procedures. When cPanel installs or updates PHP components, it relies on proper directory permissions and configurations to ensure secure operation of PHP extensions and applications.
The technical flaw manifests as an insecure default configuration where the PEAR temporary directory remains unset or improperly configured during PHP installation processes. This misconfiguration creates a potential privilege escalation vector and allows for arbitrary file creation or modification in directories that should be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because PEAR installations often involve downloading and executing code from remote sources, making the absence of proper temporary directory configuration a significant security risk. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to place malicious files in the PEAR temporary directory, which might then be executed with elevated privileges during subsequent PHP operations. The issue represents a failure in proper software configuration management and demonstrates inadequate attention to security best practices during the software installation lifecycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data compromise and system integrity violations. When the PEAR temporary directory is improperly configured, it can lead to insecure file handling practices that may allow attackers to manipulate PHP package installations or create backdoors within the cPanel environment. This vulnerability particularly affects web hosting environments where cPanel manages multiple user accounts, as it could enable one compromised account to affect others through shared system resources. The issue also impacts automated deployment processes and system maintenance procedures that rely on proper PHP configuration. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability could result in violations of security standards such as those outlined in the CWE taxonomy under CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges and access control. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified when considering that cPanel systems often serve as the primary interface for managing web hosting environments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to multiple hosted applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10799 should prioritize immediate software updates to cPanel version 58.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly configure the PEAR temporary directory during PHP installation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive configuration auditing to ensure that all PHP-related temporary directories are properly secured and monitored for unauthorized modifications. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on PHP package management components and verify that temporary directory permissions are appropriately set to prevent unauthorized access. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to cPanel management interfaces and establishing monitoring procedures for suspicious file creation activities in temporary directories. The remediation process should also involve reviewing and updating system hardening guidelines to prevent similar configuration issues in other software components. Organizations utilizing cPanel should consider implementing automated patch management solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain compliance with industry standards such as those referenced in the ATT&CK framework under initial access and privilege escalation techniques. Proper logging and monitoring of PHP installation processes can help detect potential exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for security investigations.