CVE-2017-18409 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
In cPanel before 67.9999.103, the backup interface could return a backup archive with all MySQL databases (SEC-283).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18409 represents a critical access control flaw within the cPanel backup interface that persisted in versions prior to 67.9999.103. This issue stems from insufficient authorization checks during the backup process, allowing unauthorized users to potentially extract backup archives containing all MySQL databases on the server. The vulnerability specifically affects the backup functionality where users with limited privileges might exploit a weakness in the backup archive generation mechanism to access databases they should not have permission to view or extract. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control enforcement that are essential for maintaining data confidentiality and integrity within web hosting environments. The issue is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to bypass normal database access restrictions and obtain comprehensive backup data that may contain sensitive information from multiple databases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the backup interface's permission validation logic where the system fails to properly verify user credentials and authorization levels before including MySQL database information in backup archives. When a backup operation is initiated through the cPanel interface, the system should validate that the requesting user has appropriate permissions to access each database included in the backup. However, the vulnerability allows for a scenario where database listings and backup data are included regardless of the user's actual access rights. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and authorization checking that aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software applications. The flaw essentially creates a path where backup operations can be manipulated to include all databases in an archive, potentially exposing sensitive data from multiple accounts on the same server.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18409 extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations using affected cPanel versions face significant risks including unauthorized data access, potential data breaches, and violation of privacy regulations such as gdpr and hipaa depending on the nature of the data stored in the databases. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities by obtaining comprehensive database information that could reveal application architecture, user account details, and other sensitive system information. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from information repositories, and represents a critical weakness in the attack chain that could lead to further exploitation. The impact is amplified in shared hosting environments where multiple customers' data exists on the same physical infrastructure, as a single compromised account could potentially expose databases belonging to other users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of cPanel installations to versions 67.9999.103 or later where the authorization checks have been properly implemented. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of backup configurations and access controls to ensure that no unauthorized backup operations have occurred. Additional security measures include implementing network-level access controls to restrict backup interface access, regularly monitoring backup operations for unusual patterns, and conducting periodic security assessments of the backup infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing database-level access controls and encryption for backup files to provide defense in depth. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authorization checks in web applications and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability management processes. Compliance requirements such as soc 2 and iso 27001 emphasize the necessity of maintaining proper access controls and regularly updating security measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.