CVE-2018-20945 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
bin/csvprocess in cPanel before 68.0.27 allows insecure file operations (SEC-354).
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20945 affects the cPanel software version 68.0.27 and earlier, specifically within the bin/csvprocess component. This issue represents a significant security flaw that exposes the system to potential exploitation through insecure file operations. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure file handling, which is a critical concern in web application security and system administration environments where data processing and file manipulation are common operations.
The technical flaw resides in how the csvprocess binary handles file operations, allowing for potentially malicious file manipulation or unauthorized access to system resources. This insecure file operation vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the system's file handling mechanisms to perform actions that should be restricted or properly validated. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core component of cPanel that manages CSV file processing, which is commonly used for importing and exporting data within the control panel environment. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive files, or manipulate system resources through improper file handling procedures that lack adequate input validation or access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data processing failures, as it creates potential entry points for attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to the hosting environment. Systems running affected versions of cPanel become susceptible to attacks that could compromise entire hosting accounts or even the underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of data processed through the CSV import/export functionality, potentially allowing attackers to read sensitive information, modify system files, or execute malicious code with the privileges of the cPanel process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments where multiple users operate on the same system, as it could enable one user to affect others' data or system stability.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate upgrade to cPanel version 68.0.27 or later, which includes patches addressing the insecure file operations. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all file operations, enforce strict file access controls, and monitor system logs for suspicious file handling activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which covers external control of file name or path. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and command execution through compromised system components, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistence and move laterally within the affected environment. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all cPanel installations are updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability.