CVE-2022-3967 in Vesta Control Panel
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2022
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in Vesta Control Panel. Affected is an unknown function of the file func/main.sh of the component sed Handler. The manipulation leads to argument injection. An attack has to be approached locally. The name of the patch is 39561c32c12cabe563de48cc96eccb9e2c655e25. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-213546 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3967 represents a critical security flaw within Vesta Control Panel's sed Handler functionality, specifically within the func/main.sh file. This issue falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, where malicious input can be executed as shell commands. The vulnerability exists in the argument injection mechanism that processes user-supplied data through the sed command, creating a pathway for unauthorized command execution. The attack vector requires local access to the system, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability that could be exploited by attackers who have already gained access to the server environment. This classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for command and script injection, where adversaries leverage system utilities to execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the sed Handler component. When user-provided arguments are passed directly to the sed command without adequate sanitization, attackers can inject additional commands that will be executed with the privileges of the Vesta Control Panel process. The patch referenced in the vulnerability description, identified by the commit hash 39561c32c12cabe563de48cc96eccb9e2c655e25, addresses this issue by implementing proper input validation and escaping mechanisms. The sed command's argument handling fails to properly separate user input from command parameters, creating a scenario where specially crafted input can manipulate the command execution flow and potentially allow arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the server environment as it could enable attackers to access sensitive configuration files, modify system settings, or establish persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3967 extends beyond immediate command execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise potential. Since the vulnerability requires local access, it represents a significant risk in environments where multiple users have shell access or where privilege escalation opportunities exist within the Vesta Control Panel infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access other system resources, or manipulate the control panel's configuration to maintain persistent access. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates that it could be exploited for severe consequences including complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical services. Organizations using Vesta Control Panel should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks, particularly in environments where the control panel manages sensitive web hosting configurations or where local access controls are insufficient. The vulnerability's presence in the sed Handler component suggests potential cascading effects on other shell-based operations within the control panel, making comprehensive security auditing essential.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3967 primarily focus on applying the recommended patch that addresses the input validation issue in the sed Handler functionality. System administrators should immediately update their Vesta Control Panel installations to versions containing the fix referenced by commit hash 39561c32c12cabe563de48cc96eccb9e2c655e25. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, including proper escaping of special characters and validation of user-supplied arguments, can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access control measures should be reinforced to limit local access to critical system components, reducing the attack surface for privilege escalation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized modifications to system files. Regular security assessments of control panel configurations and automated patch management processes should be established to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices in system administration tools, particularly when handling user input in shell command contexts, and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and ISO 27001 standards for secure system development and maintenance.