CVE-2017-18410 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
In cPanel before 67.9999.103, a user account's backup archive could contain all MySQL databases on the server (SEC-284).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18410 represents a critical access control flaw within the cPanel web hosting control panel software that affected versions prior to 67.9999.103. This issue stems from inadequate privilege separation and backup archive generation mechanisms that allowed malicious users to access database content beyond their authorized scope. The vulnerability specifically impacts the backup functionality of cPanel, which is a core component used by hosting providers and system administrators to create archival copies of user data and configurations. The flaw enables unauthorized data exposure through improperly restricted backup archives that inadvertently include MySQL databases belonging to other user accounts on the same server. This represents a significant violation of data isolation principles that are fundamental to multi-tenant hosting environments where user data security and privacy must be maintained through strict access controls and compartmentalization. The vulnerability affects the broader hosting ecosystem by undermining the trust model that hosting providers rely upon to maintain secure multi-user environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the backup archive generation process where cPanel fails to properly enforce user account boundaries during database inclusion operations. When generating backup archives, the system does not adequately validate or restrict which MySQL databases should be included in a user's backup, leading to a scenario where all databases on the server may be accessible through a single user's backup file. This flaw likely resides in the database selection and packaging logic within cPanel's backup modules, where insufficient filtering or validation occurs during the archive creation process. The vulnerability can be exploited by any user who has access to create or download backup archives, potentially allowing for data exfiltration of sensitive information belonging to other users on the same hosting server. This issue directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that should be enforced in all system components. The flaw essentially creates a privilege escalation scenario where a standard user account can gain access to data that should be restricted to system administrators or other authorized personnel.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18410 extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass significant security and compliance implications for hosting providers and their customers. Organizations using affected cPanel versions face potential regulatory violations under data protection frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, and pci dss, as customer data may be exposed without proper authorization. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk where compromised user accounts can immediately access other users' database content, potentially exposing sensitive information including customer records, financial data, personal identification information, and proprietary business data. Hosting providers may experience reputational damage and legal consequences if customer data is compromised through this vulnerability, particularly in industries where data protection is mandated by law. The impact is amplified in shared hosting environments where multiple customers reside on the same server, as the vulnerability can enable cross-contamination of data between accounts. This flaw also creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence about other accounts, potentially leading to further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact is further compounded by the fact that it can be exploited silently without detection, as the backup creation process typically occurs as part of normal system operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18410 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security update to cPanel version 67.9999.103 or later, which addresses the access control flaw in backup archive generation. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of existing backup archives to identify any potentially compromised data and implement proper access controls for backup files. Organizations should review their backup policies and ensure that database inclusion criteria properly enforce user account boundaries and implement appropriate access controls for backup operations. The implementation of additional security measures such as encrypted backup storage, regular monitoring of backup creation activities, and automated alerts for unusual backup access patterns can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of backup systems and ensure that backup operations are performed with the minimum necessary privileges. This vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and patch management processes, as well as the need for continuous monitoring of system components that handle sensitive data operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation and data exposure techniques, emphasizing the need for robust access control mechanisms and proper data segregation in multi-tenant environments.