CVE-2017-18408 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 67.9999.103 allows stored XSS in WHM MySQL Password Change interfaces (SEC-282).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2017-18408 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw discovered in cPanel versions prior to 67.9999.103 within the WHM MySQL Password Change interface. This security weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a stored XSS vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's database and subsequently execute them against unsuspecting users. The flaw exists in the administrative interface of cPanel, specifically targeting the MySQL password change functionality that administrators utilize to manage database credentials. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate administrative sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the hosting environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript code through the MySQL password change form in WHM. This stored payload is then executed whenever any user with appropriate privileges views the affected interface, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user hosting environments where administrators frequently manage database credentials. The attack vector leverages the lack of proper input sanitization and output encoding in the WHM interface, allowing malicious code to persist in the system's database and execute against legitimate users. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter indicates that attackers could potentially use this vector to execute arbitrary commands or scripts within the context of the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18408 is significant for hosting providers and system administrators who rely on cPanel for their infrastructure management. When exploited, this vulnerability could enable attackers to steal administrative credentials, modify database configurations, or even gain access to other system resources through the compromised administrative session. The stored nature of the XSS means that the malicious payload persists in the system and affects all users who access the affected interface, creating a persistent threat that remains active until the vulnerability is patched. Organizations using cPanel versions prior to 67.9999.103 face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to customer databases, and complete compromise of hosting environments. The vulnerability's presence in the WHM interface specifically targets privileged users, making the impact more severe as attackers could potentially gain full administrative control over hosting environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18408 focus primarily on immediate patching of cPanel installations to version 67.9999.103 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent the injection of malicious scripts. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures such as input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data in administrative interfaces, particularly those handling sensitive configuration changes. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior in administrative interfaces, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify potential injection points. The vulnerability's resolution through software patching aligns with industry best practices for vulnerability management and demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software in hosting environments. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and additional access controls to limit exposure to such vulnerabilities while awaiting patch deployment.