CVE-2018-5961 in CentOS Web Panel
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
CentOS-WebPanel.com (aka CWP) CentOS Web Panel through v0.9.8.12 has XSS via the `module` value of the `index.php` file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
CentOS Web Panel represents a web-based control panel designed to simplify server administration tasks for users managing centos based systems. The vulnerability identified in version 0.9.8.12 and earlier affects the core authentication and module handling mechanisms within the web interface. This cross site scripting vulnerability specifically targets the module parameter processing within the index.php file, creating a persistent entry point for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into the panel's user interface. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the module parameter through URL manipulation, allowing them to execute arbitrary javascript code within the context of any authenticated user's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the web panel fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before rendering it within the web interface. The module parameter value gets directly incorporated into the page output without adequate validation or encoding, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be executed. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper input sanitization mechanisms for parameters that are used to dynamically load modules within the control panel interface. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that contain script payloads, which when executed in a victim's browser would allow for session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a foothold within the administrative interface of servers managed through CentOS Web Panel. An authenticated attacker with access to the panel can potentially escalate privileges, manipulate server configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on CWP for managing multiple servers, as a single compromised panel instance could provide attackers with access to an entire server infrastructure. The attack surface is further expanded because the vulnerability affects the core module loading functionality, meaning that any module that processes user input through the module parameter could be compromised. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of script-based commands to execute malicious code in web applications.
Organizations utilizing CentOS Web Panel should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to version 0.9.8.13 or later which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. The patch should include proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent the injection of malicious scripts into the module parameter handling. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the web panel interface to trusted networks only. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous module parameter usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning of web applications to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could provide similar attack vectors. The mitigation approach should also include user education regarding the risks of clicking untrusted links and the importance of maintaining up to date software versions to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.