CVE-2016-10817 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 57.9999.54 allows SQL Injection via the ModSecurity TailWatch log file (SEC-123).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10817 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within cPanel software versions prior to 57.9999.54. This vulnerability specifically affects the ModSecurity TailWatch log file processing functionality, which serves as a monitoring and logging mechanism for web application firewall events. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization when processing log data that originates from ModSecurity rules, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because cPanel serves as a widely deployed control panel for web hosting environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise hosting infrastructure and access sensitive user data.
The technical flaw manifests in how the ModSecurity TailWatch component handles log file parsing and database insertion operations. When ModSecurity rules trigger events that are logged to the TailWatch system, the vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the log data in such a way that SQL commands become executable within the database context. This occurs due to improper escaping or parameterization of user-supplied data that flows from the log files into database queries. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The attack vector leverages the fact that log processing systems often treat log data as trusted input, failing to properly validate or sanitize data that originates from potentially malicious sources such as web application firewall alerts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database user account. This could result in complete database compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation to other system components, or even persistence mechanisms within the hosting environment. Given that cPanel is commonly used by hosting providers and web administrators, a successful exploitation could affect numerous websites and users simultaneously. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments where multiple customers' data resides on the same infrastructure, potentially allowing an attacker to access or manipulate data from other users. Additionally, the attack could be automated through log file manipulation or by exploiting the vulnerability in the log processing pipeline itself, making it a significant threat to hosting security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10817 should prioritize immediate patching of cPanel installations to version 57.9999.54 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of cPanel systems to untrusted networks. Database access should be restricted through proper privilege management, ensuring that the database user account used by cPanel has minimal required permissions. Input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced for all log processing components, implementing proper parameterized queries and escaping mechanisms. Security monitoring should be strengthened to detect anomalous log file patterns or database query activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of hosting infrastructure should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the hosting stack. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the fix properly addresses the vulnerability without introducing new issues in the log processing functionality.