CVE-2016-10849 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 11.54.0.4 allows certain file-chmod operations in scripts/secureit (SEC-82).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10849 affects cPanel versions prior to 11.54.0.4 and relates to insecure file permissions handling within the scripts/secureit directory. This issue specifically impacts the chmod operations that are executed during security hardening procedures, creating potential privilege escalation pathways for malicious actors who can manipulate these operations. The vulnerability exists within the automated security configuration scripts that are designed to strengthen system security but inadvertently introduce weaknesses through improper file permission management.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and privilege checking within the secureit script execution environment. When cPanel executes chmod operations in the scripts/secureit directory, it fails to properly validate user-supplied parameters or enforce appropriate access controls. This allows attackers with limited system access to potentially manipulate file permissions in ways that could elevate their privileges or compromise system integrity. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper privilege management and weak access control mechanisms, which are commonly categorized as CWE-276 and CWE-732 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission manipulation as it can enable attackers to gain elevated privileges within the cPanel environment. Since cPanel serves as a comprehensive control panel for web hosting environments, successful exploitation could allow adversaries to modify critical system files, access sensitive user data, or establish persistent backdoors within hosting infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in shared hosting environments where multiple users operate under the same system, as it could enable one user to compromise the privileges of others or gain access to administrative functions.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to cPanel version 11.54.0.4 or later, which contains patches addressing the chmod operation handling in the secureit scripts. Additional defensive measures include restricting access to the scripts/secureit directory, implementing proper file permission controls, and monitoring for unauthorized chmod operations. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of their cPanel installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers could use the compromised chmod operations to maintain persistent access and avoid detection mechanisms that rely on proper file permission enforcement. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in administrative scripts and demonstrates how seemingly routine system operations can become security risks when proper validation and access controls are not implemented.