CVE-2021-43693 in Vesta
Summary
by MITRE • 11/29/2021
vesta 0.9.8-24 is affected by a file inclusion vulnerability in file web/add/user/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-43693 affects vesta version 0.9.8-24 and stems from a file inclusion flaw located in the web/add/user/index.php file. This represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms within the vesta control panel system. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being used in file operations, creating an opportunity for arbitrary file inclusion attacks that could lead to remote code execution or unauthorized access to system resources.
This flaw aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where an application includes or requires a file whose path can be influenced by an attacker. The vulnerability exists within the web interface of vesta, a popular open-source web hosting control panel that manages various server functions including user account creation. When an attacker can manipulate the parameters used in the file inclusion process, they can potentially load malicious files from remote locations or access sensitive system files that should remain protected. The attack vector typically involves sending crafted requests to the vulnerable endpoint where user input is directly incorporated into file path construction without adequate validation or sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying server infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to user accounts, execute arbitrary code on the server, or potentially escalate privileges to root access depending on the system configuration. The implications are particularly severe for hosting environments where multiple users rely on the control panel for managing their web applications and server configurations. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1505.003 for web shell deployment and T1059.001 for command and script injection, making it a significant threat to system integrity and data confidentiality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-43693 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected vesta version to the latest stable release that addresses the file inclusion vulnerability. System administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures to ensure all user-supplied data is properly filtered before being used in file operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable web interface to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and system components. The remediation process must also include disabling unnecessary file inclusion features and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system files. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems.