CVE-2016-10850 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 11.54.0.4 allows arbitrary code execution via scripts/synccpaddonswithsqlhost (SEC-83).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10850 affects cPanel versions prior to 11.54.0.4 and represents a critical arbitrary code execution flaw within the cPanel control panel software. This vulnerability specifically resides in the scripts/synccpaddonswithsqlhost component, which is designed to synchronize addon domains with SQL hosts. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with appropriate privileges to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the synchronization script, creating a path for command injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the insecure handling of parameters passed to the synccpaddonswithsqlhost script, which processes addon domain synchronization requests. When legitimate users submit requests to synchronize addon domains with SQL hosts, the script fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, particularly those related to database connection details and host specifications. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that get executed within the context of the web server process, typically running with elevated privileges. The vulnerability can be exploited through the cPanel web interface or API endpoints that invoke this synchronization functionality, making it accessible to users with appropriate permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the hosting environment. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the ability to establish backdoors or maintain long-term access to the compromised server. Given that cPanel is widely deployed across hosting providers and web hosting environments, this vulnerability poses significant risk to numerous organizations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, which may be obtained through various means including credential theft, social engineering, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The compromised systems could be used for further attacks against other network resources or as part of botnet operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10850 should prioritize immediate patching of cPanel installations to version 11.54.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of cPanel interfaces, particularly restricting access to administrative functions. Regular security monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories related to command injection and improper input sanitization, and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and maintaining up-to-date inventory of all cPanel installations within the organization to ensure comprehensive patch management coverage.