CVE-2026-77878 in Control Web Panel
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2026
Control Web Panel (CWP) before webpanel_version 1.30 contains an OS command injection vulnerability in the loopback API database restore route /v1/restoredatabase/, where the restoreDBBackup() handler passes an attacker-controlled file path from the POST body into a shell command without proper escaping. An attacker able to reach the route can inject arbitrary OS commands that execute as root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2026
The Control Web Panel, widely utilized for managing Linux-based web hosting environments, contains a critical operating system command injection vulnerability in versions prior to 1.30. This flaw resides specifically within the loopback API endpoint designated for database restoration operations at the path /v1/restoredatabase/. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices within the restoreDBBackup() handler function. When this route is invoked, the application accepts a file path parameter transmitted via the POST request body. Instead of validating that this input conforms to expected safe patterns or escaping special shell characters, the system directly interpolates the user-supplied value into an underlying operating system command string for execution.
This architectural oversight allows any authenticated attacker who has access to the API endpoint to inject arbitrary commands with root-level privileges. Because Control Web Panel typically operates with elevated permissions to manage server configurations and services, successful exploitation results in complete compromise of the host machine. An adversary can leverage this capability to execute system administration commands, modify critical configuration files, install malicious software, or pivot further into internal network segments depending on the broader infrastructure topology. The severity is exacerbated by the fact that database restoration functions are often exposed through APIs intended for automation scripts and management tools, potentially increasing the attack surface if API keys are not strictly scoped to read-only operations.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command commonly known as OS Command Injection. The root cause is identified under CWE-20 Improper Input Validation where the application fails to verify that input data conforms to expected formats before processing. In terms of offensive security frameworks, this exploit maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically sub-techniques involving shell commands such as sh or bash. The attacker utilizes these interpreter capabilities to achieve remote code execution with high privilege levels, facilitating lateral movement and persistence within the compromised environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, leading to total loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability for systems running affected versions of Control Web Panel. Attackers can exfiltrate sensitive database contents stored on the server, alter website files to deface sites or inject webshells, and disrupt services by killing critical processes. Given that CWP manages multiple domains and user accounts, a single successful exploitation event can compromise numerous independent websites and their associated data stores simultaneously. This creates significant reputational damage for hosting providers and severe financial implications for affected customers due to potential regulatory fines under standards like GDPR or PCI DSS if personal payment information is exposed through the compromised database systems.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading Control Web Panel to version 1.30 or later where this input handling flaw has been corrected with proper sanitization and parameterized command execution methods. In environments where patching cannot be implemented immediately, administrators should restrict network access to the /v1/restoredatabase/ endpoint using firewall rules that limit connectivity solely to trusted internal IP addresses involved in backup automation workflows. Additionally, enforcing strict API key permissions is crucial; keys used for database operations should not possess administrative privileges unless absolutely necessary and even then, they must be rotated frequently. Implementing Web Application Firewall signatures capable of detecting command injection payloads in POST bodies can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts while the underlying software vulnerability remains unpatched.