CVE-2016-10824 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 55.9999.141 allows unauthenticated arbitrary code execution via DNS NS entry poisoning (SEC-90).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
This vulnerability exists within cPanel software versions prior to 55.9999.141 and represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated arbitrary code execution through DNS NS entry poisoning techniques. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and privilege escalation issues, with specific implications for DNS-based attack vectors. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate DNS NS records in a manner that can lead to code execution on the affected system without requiring authentication credentials. This represents a significant escalation from typical DNS-based attacks since it directly enables remote code execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way cPanel handles DNS NS record updates and validation processes. Attackers can poison DNS NS entries to redirect traffic or inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the cPanel service. This type of attack leverages the trust relationship between DNS servers and the cPanel management interface, allowing malicious actors to bypass traditional authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the DNS handling components of cPanel, where NS record modifications can be exploited to inject executable code into the system. This attack vector demonstrates weaknesses in input validation and access control mechanisms within the DNS management subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected organizations. Unauthenticated remote code execution creates a direct pathway for attackers to compromise entire hosting environments, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and full system compromise. Organizations using vulnerable cPanel versions face immediate risk of unauthorized access to customer data, website defacement, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The attack requires no authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected DNS infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of cPanel installations to version 55.9999.141 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement additional DNS security measures including DNSSEC implementation, monitoring for unauthorized DNS record changes, and network segmentation to limit the attack surface. The fix addresses the underlying DNS NS entry poisoning mechanism by strengthening input validation and access controls. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous DNS update patterns and unauthorized NS record modifications. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for DNS tunneling and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, making it relevant to both network and endpoint security monitoring. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, as this represents a critical flaw that can be exploited without any authentication requirements.