CVE-2020-10115 in cPanel
Summary
by MITRE
cPanel before 84.0.20, when PowerDNS is used, allows arbitrary code execution as root via dnsadmin. (SEC-537).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-10115 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within cPanel software versions prior to 84.0.20 that specifically affects installations utilizing PowerDNS as their DNS server. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the cPanel administrative interface, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers with dnsadmin privileges to execute arbitrary code with root-level system privileges. The flaw fundamentally compromises the security model of cPanel installations by allowing a relatively low-privilege user to gain complete system control through a carefully crafted sequence of operations involving PowerDNS integration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly targets the administrative interface of web hosting control panels, which typically serve as the primary attack surface for hosting providers and their customers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input when processing DNS-related requests through the PowerDNS integration module. Attackers with dnsadmin credentials can exploit a specific code path that bypasses normal privilege checks and directly manipulates system-level processes through the DNS management interface. This flaw operates under the weakness category of CWE-20, which encompasses improper input validation, and more specifically aligns with CWE-78, representing improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The vulnerability enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, effectively providing them with root access to the entire hosting environment. The attack vector specifically leverages the interaction between cPanel's administrative web interface and PowerDNS's DNS management capabilities, where insufficient validation allows malicious input to propagate through the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to hosting providers, web administrators, and organizations relying on cPanel for their hosting infrastructure. The impact extends beyond individual server compromise to potentially affect multiple hosted websites and applications, as attackers can leverage the root access to modify system configurations, extract sensitive data, install backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance across the compromised environment. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only a valid dnsadmin account, which is often less restricted than full administrative privileges, making it more accessible to potential attackers. Organizations using cPanel with PowerDNS integration face immediate risk of complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations if customer data is accessed or modified. This vulnerability particularly affects shared hosting environments where multiple customers' data resides on the same physical infrastructure, amplifying the potential impact of a successful exploitation.
Organizations should immediately apply the security patch released by cPanel for version 84.0.20 or higher to remediate this vulnerability. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of their cPanel installations to identify any versions prior to 84.0.20 and ensure all PowerDNS integrations are updated accordingly. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to cPanel administrative interfaces, enforcing strict access controls for dnsadmin accounts, and monitoring for suspicious activities in DNS management logs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and privilege separation in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploits. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for patterns consistent with this specific attack vector, particularly focusing on unusual DNS-related command executions that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as the root-level access granted provides attackers with extensive capabilities for persistent compromise of hosting environments.