CVE-2017-18406 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 67.9999.103 allows SQL injection during eximstats processing (SEC-276).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18406 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within cPanel software versions prior to 67.9999.103. This security weakness specifically manifests during the processing of eximstats data, which are statistics collected from the exim mail transfer agent that cPanel utilizes for email monitoring and reporting. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the eximstats module, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when cPanel processes eximstats data through its web interface or administrative functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input parameters that are then passed to database queries without proper sanitization. When the eximstats processing component executes these queries, the injected SQL commands are executed within the database context, potentially allowing for data extraction, modification, or deletion. The attack vector typically involves manipulating URL parameters or form inputs that feed into the eximstats processing functions, making this a server-side vulnerability that requires authentication or can be exploited by unauthorized users depending on the specific implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could access sensitive email data, user credentials stored in the database, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the cPanel interface. The implications are particularly severe for hosting providers and organizations relying on cPanel for their email infrastructure, as the compromise could affect multiple domains and user accounts. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices in the eximstats module, suggesting potential for similar weaknesses in other components of the cPanel application, making this a critical issue for security posture assessment.
Organizations should immediately implement the patch released by cPanel for version 67.9999.103 or higher to remediate this vulnerability. The patch addresses the SQL injection flaw by implementing proper input sanitization and parameterized queries in the eximstats processing functions. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of their cPanel installations to ensure all systems are updated and monitor for any suspicious database activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and database access controls should be reviewed to limit the potential impact should other vulnerabilities be present. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and penetration testing help identify similar vulnerabilities in the broader cPanel ecosystem and related applications.