CVE-2017-18422 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
In cPanel before 66.0.2, EasyApache 4 conversion sets weak domlog ownership and permissions (SEC-272).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18422 affects cPanel versions prior to 66.0.2 and specifically impacts the EasyApache 4 conversion process. This issue stems from improper handling of file ownership and permissions during the migration from EasyApache 3 to EasyApache 4, creating persistent security weaknesses that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper privilege management and weak file permissions, which are commonly classified under CWE-276. The flaw occurs when the conversion process fails to properly set secure ownership and access controls on domlog files, leaving them vulnerable to unauthorized access and manipulation.
During the EasyApache 4 conversion process, the system creates or modifies domlog files that contain logging information for domain-related activities. The weakness manifests when these files are created with overly permissive ownership settings and access controls that do not align with security best practices. Specifically, the files may be created with world-readable permissions or with ownership that allows unauthorized users to modify or read sensitive logging data. This issue represents a critical breakdown in the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 which deals with valid accounts and privilege escalation. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to gain insights into system operations through log analysis, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple permission issues, as it can enable attackers to compromise the integrity of system logging mechanisms. When domlog files contain weak ownership and permissions, malicious actors can potentially manipulate log data to hide their activities or gain additional system information. This weakness can be exploited in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to create persistent access or to cover tracks during an attack. The vulnerability affects system administrators who rely on proper logging for security monitoring and incident response activities, potentially undermining their ability to detect and respond to security incidents effectively.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-18422 involves upgrading to cPanel version 66.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly handle file ownership and permissions during EasyApache 4 conversions. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing domlog files to ensure proper ownership and permissions are set according to security guidelines. Additionally, implementing proper monitoring and alerting mechanisms for unusual file access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should follow security best practices such as those outlined in the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks, which emphasize proper file permissions and access control as fundamental security controls. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that during the conversion process, all generated files receive appropriate ownership settings and permission levels that prevent unauthorized access while maintaining system functionality.