CVE-2016-10815 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 57.9999.54 allows arbitrary file-read operations for Webmail accounts via Branding APIs (SEC-120).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10815 represents a critical security flaw in cPanel software versions prior to 57.9999.54 that enables unauthorized file read operations through the Webmail component. This issue specifically affects the Branding APIs functionality within cPanel's webmail interface, creating a significant attack surface that could allow malicious actors to access sensitive files on compromised systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the API endpoints that handle branding configurations for webmail accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Branding APIs that are designed to customize webmail interfaces for different users or organizations. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specific API requests that bypass normal file access controls, allowing them to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level within the webmail service, which typically has access to user data and system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. This type of flaw falls under the category of insecure direct object references as defined by CWE-639, where the application provides direct access to objects based on user-supplied input without proper access control validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive user data, configuration files, and system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could access email contents, user credentials, system configurations, and other sensitive data stored within the webmail environment. This access could enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within the compromised network. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Credential Access and T1083 for File and Directory Discovery, as it allows for both credential harvesting and systematic exploration of file systems.
Organizations running affected cPanel versions face significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential system compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication to the webmail interface, making it particularly dangerous for systems that are publicly accessible. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that cPanel is widely deployed across hosting environments and enterprise networks, meaning that a single exploited instance could provide attackers with access to multiple user accounts and their associated data. Security teams should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately, as the risk of exploitation is high given the nature of the flaw and the prevalence of affected installations. The remediation process involves upgrading to cPanel version 57.9999.54 or later, which includes proper input validation and access control measures that prevent unauthorized file read operations through the Branding APIs.