CVE-2016-10805 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 57.9999.54 allows demo accounts to execute arbitrary code via ajax_maketext_syntax_util.pl (SEC-109).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2016-10805 represents a critical security flaw in cPanel versions prior to 57.9999.54 that enables demo accounts to execute arbitrary code through the ajax_maketext_syntax_util.pl component. This issue falls under the category of unauthorized code execution, specifically targeting the web-based control panel interface that millions of web hosting providers and their customers rely upon for managing their online services. The vulnerability exists within the demo account functionality, which is typically intended to provide limited access for demonstration purposes while maintaining strict security boundaries between user environments.
The technical exploitation occurs through the ajax_maketext_syntax_util.pl script, which appears to handle text processing operations within the cPanel interface. This script lacks proper input validation and access control mechanisms, allowing authenticated demo users to manipulate parameters that ultimately lead to arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input that flows into system commands or script execution contexts. This flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability where demo account credentials, though limited in scope, can be leveraged to escalate privileges and gain full system control. The weakness is categorized as CWE-78, which specifically addresses OS command injection vulnerabilities in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it directly undermines the security model of cPanel's demo environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise entire hosting environments, potentially affecting hundreds or thousands of websites hosted on the same server. The exploitation chain typically involves crafting malicious input that bypasses normal access controls and executes commands with the privileges of the cPanel service account. This could result in data theft, service disruption, unauthorized website modifications, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on cPanel for hosting management, making it particularly dangerous for web hosting providers who may have numerous demo accounts active simultaneously.
Organizations should immediately update to cPanel version 57.9999.54 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. The patch implements proper input validation and access control checks for the ajax_maketext_syntax_util.pl script, ensuring that demo accounts cannot execute arbitrary commands. System administrators should also review and audit existing demo account configurations to ensure that unnecessary privileges are not granted to these accounts. Monitoring for suspicious activity in demo account usage, particularly around text processing functions, should be implemented as part of the security operations center procedures. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and demonstrates how seemingly limited user accounts can be leveraged for system compromise through insufficient privilege controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the hosting infrastructure.