CVE-2016-10846 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 11.54.0.4 allows arbitrary file-chown and file-chmod operations during Roundcube database conversions (SEC-79).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
This vulnerability exists within cPanel version 11.54.0.4 and earlier, specifically affecting the Roundcube database conversion process. The flaw allows attackers to perform arbitrary file ownership changes and permission modifications through malicious database conversion operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms during database migration procedures, creating a path for privilege escalation and potential system compromise. This issue was categorized as SEC-79 by the cPanel security team, highlighting its critical impact on system integrity and user permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during Roundcube database conversions where cPanel fails to properly validate file operations that could alter system file ownership and permissions. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating database conversion scripts or injection points to execute unauthorized chown and chmod commands against arbitrary files on the system. The flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that operates at the file system level, allowing malicious actors to modify critical system files and potentially gain elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-276 as improper file permissions and CWE-74 as injection flaws, with direct implications for access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10846 extends beyond simple file permission manipulation to potentially enable full system compromise. An attacker with access to cPanel could leverage this vulnerability to modify system binaries, configuration files, or critical log files, effectively undermining the security posture of the entire hosting environment. The vulnerability affects not only individual user accounts but also the broader system infrastructure, as file ownership changes could enable attackers to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation and T1070 for file modification, representing a significant threat to hosting environments and shared server deployments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to cPanel version 11.54.0.4 or later, which addresses the insufficient validation in database conversion processes. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring of file ownership changes and permission modifications during database operations. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits should verify proper file permissions and ownership across the system. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control in web-based administrative interfaces, particularly those handling database operations and file system modifications. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components.