CVE-2019-7646 in CentOS Web Panel
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
CentOS-WebPanel.com (aka CWP) CentOS Web Panel through 0.9.8.763 is vulnerable to Stored/Persistent XSS for the "Package Name" field via the add_package module parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
CentOS Web Panel represents a widely deployed web hosting control panel solution that provides administrators with a graphical interface to manage various server components including web servers, databases, email services, and user accounts. The vulnerability in question affects version 0.9.8.763 and earlier of this control panel software, which is commonly installed on centos based systems to streamline server administration tasks for both novice and experienced users. This particular vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting flaw within the add_package module functionality that specifically targets the Package Name field parameter.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web application's backend processing logic. When administrators or users submit package names through the add_package module, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before storing it in the database and subsequently rendering it in subsequent web page displays. This allows malicious actors to inject malicious javascript code within the package name field which persists in the system's database. The stored payload executes whenever the package information is displayed in the user interface, creating a persistent cross-site scripting condition that can affect any user who views the affected package listing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it creates a potential attack vector for privilege escalation and session hijacking within the control panel environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary javascript code in the context of other users' browsers, potentially stealing session cookies, modifying package configurations, or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive server management functions. The persistence of the stored payload means that the vulnerability remains active even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous for long-term compromise of the control panel environment. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting flaws as a critical web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through standard web application penetration testing techniques. Attackers can craft malicious package names containing javascript payloads that execute when the package information is rendered in the control panel interface. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that control panels like CWP often contain sensitive administrative functions and may be accessible to users with varying levels of privileges. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability can be leveraged as part of broader attack chains leading to full system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the control panel environment or the underlying operating system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application to the affected CWP versions, with administrators upgrading to version 0.9.8.764 or later where the input sanitization issues have been addressed. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers within the application architecture, including both client-side and server-side validation mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of the control panel to only authorized users and systems. Regular security assessments of web applications should include thorough testing for stored XSS vulnerabilities, particularly in modules that handle user-supplied data. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper output encoding can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of such vulnerabilities.