CVE-2016-10847 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 11.54.0.4 allows arbitrary file-read and file-write operations via scripts/fixmailboxpath (SEC-80).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10847 affects cPanel versions prior to 11.54.0.4 and represents a critical security flaw in the web hosting control panel software that enables unauthorized file system operations. This vulnerability specifically resides within the scripts/fixmailboxpath component of the cPanel infrastructure, making it accessible through web-based attack vectors. The flaw allows attackers to perform arbitrary read and write operations on the file system, potentially compromising the entire hosting environment and the data of multiple users. The vulnerability was categorized under security advisory SEC-80, indicating its severity and the need for immediate remediation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the fixmailboxpath script. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal authentication and authorization checks, enabling them to traverse the file system and access sensitive files or directories that should be restricted. The vulnerability essentially allows for path traversal attacks combined with privilege escalation, as the script does not properly verify user permissions or sanitize input parameters before executing file operations. This creates a dangerous condition where unauthenticated or low-privilege users can manipulate file system operations across the entire server.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10847 extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to modify critical system files, inject malicious code, or establish persistent backdoors within the hosting environment. Organizations running affected cPanel versions face significant risks including complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential use as a launching point for further attacks against other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects not just individual user accounts but the entire hosting infrastructure, as cPanel serves multiple domains and users from a single installation. This makes the impact particularly severe for shared hosting providers and web hosting companies that serve numerous clients from a single control panel instance.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to cPanel version 11.54.0.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and access control fixes. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the affected scripts, conduct thorough security audits of all hosted accounts, and monitor for suspicious file system activity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting categories, representing a classic case of insufficient input sanitization combined with inadequate privilege controls. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to critical system scripts, and regularly review access controls to prevent unauthorized file system operations. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts effectively.