CVE-2024-51568 in CyberPanel
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
CyberPanel (aka Cyber Panel) before 2.3.5 allows Command Injection via completePath in the ProcessUtilities.outputExecutioner() sink. There is /filemanager/upload (aka File Manager upload) unauthenticated remote code execution via shell metacharacters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2025
CVE-2024-51568 represents a critical command injection vulnerability affecting CyberPanel versions prior to 2.3.5, specifically targeting the ProcessUtilities.outputExecutioner() method which serves as a command execution sink. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file manager upload functionality, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote code execution through the exploitation of shell metacharacters. The flaw resides in the completePath parameter handling where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization, making it susceptible to malicious command injection attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application level and directly impacts the underlying operating system by allowing arbitrary command execution with the privileges of the web application user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the file manager upload endpoint which lacks proper authentication mechanisms and input validation. When a user uploads a file through the /filemanager/upload path, the application processes the filename and path without adequate sanitization of special shell characters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that get executed by the underlying shell, effectively bypassing the intended file upload functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-77 and CWE-94, where improper neutralization of special elements used in command execution leads to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the vulnerable CyberPanel instance.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-51568 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system persistence, or further exploitation of network services. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of CyberPanel's file management system, which typically handles user uploads, file operations, and system file management tasks. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability without needing valid credentials, increasing the attack surface and potential impact. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) where the initial compromise leads to broader system access and control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-51568 primarily focus on immediate patching of CyberPanel to version 2.3.5 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the file manager upload endpoint, particularly when the service is exposed to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious command injection patterns, implementing strict input validation on all user-supplied data, and configuring proper file upload restrictions with filename sanitization. The remediation process should also include monitoring for unauthorized file uploads and command execution attempts, as well as conducting comprehensive security assessments of the CyberPanel installation to identify other potential vulnerabilities. System administrators should enforce principle of least privilege for the web application user account and consider implementing additional security controls such as SELinux or AppArmor policies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation.