CVE-2019-14729 in CentOS Web Panel
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
In CentOS-WebPanel.com (aka CWP) CentOS Web Panel 0.9.8.851, an insecure object reference allows an attacker to delete a sub-domain from a victim's account via an attacker account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-14729 represents a critical authorization flaw within the CentOS Web Panel (CWP) 0.9.8.851 application that exposes sub-domain deletion functionality to unauthorized users. This issue manifests through an insecure object reference that bypasses proper access controls, allowing attackers to manipulate the system's sub-domain management interface using their own account credentials. The vulnerability specifically affects the web-based administrative interface that manages hosting accounts and their associated domains, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit the lack of proper validation mechanisms to target victim accounts. The flaw exists at the application logic level where the system fails to verify that the requesting user has legitimate authorization to perform actions on specific sub-domains within other accounts. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks that violates fundamental security principles and creates a pathway for account takeover and service disruption attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate user permissions when processing sub-domain deletion requests. The system relies on predictable object identifiers or session-based references that can be manipulated by attackers who have gained access to any valid account within the system. When an attacker creates a malicious request to delete a sub-domain, the application processes this request without adequately verifying that the requesting user owns or has administrative privileges over the target account. This insecure reference pattern allows for cross-account manipulation where the attacker's account can be used to execute destructive operations against resources belonging to different users. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software applications. The flaw essentially creates a privilege escalation scenario where limited access accounts can perform administrative actions on behalf of other users.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14729 extends beyond simple data manipulation to encompass potential service disruption, reputation damage, and unauthorized access to customer resources. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to delete critical sub-domains from victim accounts, potentially causing website downtime, loss of customer data, and disruption of business operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to execute, making it accessible to attackers who may have obtained compromised credentials or gained access through other means. This vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns where adversaries first gain access to a low-privilege account and then use this flaw to escalate their access and cause maximum damage. The impact is amplified in shared hosting environments where multiple customers' accounts exist on the same infrastructure, creating opportunities for cascading effects that can compromise entire hosting platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14729 require immediate implementation of proper access control mechanisms and input validation procedures. System administrators should implement comprehensive authorization checks that validate user permissions for each operation, ensuring that users can only perform actions on resources they legitimately own or have been granted explicit access to. The application should enforce strict object reference validation by implementing unique identifiers that are tied to specific user sessions and account contexts, preventing cross-account manipulation attempts. Security patches should be applied to update the CentOS Web Panel to versions that address this authorization flaw, as the vendor has likely released fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging of administrative operations to detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts as a means of gaining access, and T1496 which addresses resource hijacking through unauthorized access to system resources. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar authorization gaps in web-based administrative interfaces, ensuring that all user interactions with system resources are properly validated and controlled.