CVE-2016-10839 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 11.54.0.4 allows SQL injection in bin/horde_update_usernames (SEC-71).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2016-10839 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in cPanel versions prior to 11.54.0.4, specifically within the bin/horde_update_usernames script. This issue falls under the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a severe weakness in software applications that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input. The vulnerability exists in the Horde email client integration component of cPanel, which is used for managing user accounts and email functionality within the hosting environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the horde_update_usernames script processes user input without proper sanitization or parameterization of database queries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets directly incorporated into SQL statements executed against the underlying database. This allows unauthorized individuals to execute arbitrary SQL commands, potentially gaining access to sensitive user data, modifying database contents, or even escalating privileges within the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core user management functionality of cPanel, which is fundamental to hosting environments where multiple users operate under shared infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to customer information. In a hosting environment, this vulnerability could enable attackers to access email accounts, user credentials, and potentially other sensitive data stored in the database. The attack surface is significant since cPanel is widely deployed across hosting providers, making this vulnerability a prime target for automated exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, where adversaries leverage publicly accessible applications to gain initial access to systems. The compromised system could also serve as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10839 require immediate patching of cPanel installations to version 11.54.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the SQL injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and parameterized queries in all database interactions to prevent similar issues in the future. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the hosting infrastructure. The fix implemented by cPanel developers addresses the root cause by properly sanitizing user input before incorporating it into database queries, following secure coding practices that align with industry standards for preventing SQL injection attacks.