CVE-2018-6617 in Easy Hosting Control Panel
Summary
by MITRE
Easy Hosting Control Panel (EHCP) v0.37.12.b, when using a local MySQL server, allows attackers to change passwords of arbitrary database users by leveraging failure to ask for the current password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2023
The Easy Hosting Control Panel EHCP version 0.37.12.b presents a critical security vulnerability that undermines the integrity of database user authentication mechanisms within its local MySQL server implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects systems where EHCP manages database users and their associated passwords through its web interface. The flaw stems from the application's failure to enforce proper authentication checks when executing password modification operations, creating a path for unauthorized actors to manipulate database user credentials without proper authorization.
This vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient authentication and authorization controls, mapping directly to CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The technical implementation flaw occurs at the application logic level where the password change functionality does not require the current password verification before allowing modifications to database user accounts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that bypass the normal authentication flow, enabling them to reset passwords for any database user within the EHCP-managed MySQL environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with persistent access to database resources that may contain sensitive customer information, application data, or system configurations. Once an attacker successfully changes a database user password, they can maintain unauthorized access to the underlying database system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data corruption, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the principle of least privilege by allowing arbitrary password changes without proper verification mechanisms, undermining the security posture of organizations relying on EHCP for hosting management.
Organizations using EHCP v0.37.12.b should immediately implement compensating controls including network segmentation to isolate database servers from web applications, implementing strict firewall rules to limit access to database ports, and conducting comprehensive audits of database user accounts to identify any unauthorized changes. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts usage, as attackers can leverage compromised database user credentials to maintain persistent access. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous password change patterns and establish robust incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. The fix requires patching the EHCP application to implement proper password verification mechanisms before allowing any user credential modifications, ensuring that only authorized individuals can change database passwords through the legitimate administrative interface.