CVE-2017-18392 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 68.0.15 allows collisions because PostgreSQL databases can be assigned to multiple accounts (SEC-325).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18392 affects cPanel versions prior to 68.0.15 and represents a critical security flaw related to database management within the hosting control panel environment. This issue stems from insufficient database isolation mechanisms that permit PostgreSQL databases to be assigned to multiple user accounts simultaneously, creating potential security collision scenarios that can compromise system integrity and data confidentiality.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of database ownership and access controls within cPanel's PostgreSQL implementation. When multiple accounts are permitted to share the same database instance, it creates a scenario where one account can potentially access or manipulate data belonging to another account through database collisions. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper isolation, as outlined in the CWE-284 access control weakness category which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms. The flaw essentially allows for unauthorized data exposure and potential privilege escalation attacks when accounts share database resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to confidential data belonging to other users, potentially including personal information, financial records, or proprietary business data. The collision scenario creates opportunities for data leakage, unauthorized modifications, and could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the hosting environment. This vulnerability particularly affects shared hosting environments where multiple clients are managed through a single cPanel instance, making it a significant concern for hosting providers and their customers.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to cPanel version 68.0.15 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent database collisions. Security administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing database assignments to ensure proper isolation between accounts and implement monitoring systems to detect unauthorized database access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper resource isolation and access control mechanisms in multi-tenant environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. Additional protective measures include implementing database-specific access controls, regular security assessments, and maintaining strict compliance with security best practices for shared hosting environments.