Description Preview
CVE-2017-18416 affects cPanel versions prior to 67.9999.103. The vulnerability is related to improper access control (CWE-284) during Roundcube SQLite schema updates. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to overwrite arbitrary files on the system, potentially leading to privilege escalation, system compromise, or denial of service. This issue is identified as SEC-303 in cPanel's internal tracking system.
Overview
This vulnerability affects the Roundcube webmail component integrated with cPanel. During SQLite schema updates, the system fails to properly restrict file operations, allowing an attacker to potentially overwrite critical system files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file paths during the schema update process. Successful exploitation could lead to system compromise, data loss, or service disruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it could potentially be used to escalate privileges on affected systems.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, system administrators should:
- Update cPanel to version 67.9999.103 or later as soon as possible
- Apply any security patches provided by cPanel for this specific issue
- Monitor system logs for any suspicious activity related to Roundcube or SQLite operations
- Consider temporarily disabling Roundcube if immediate updates are not possible
- Implement proper file system permissions and access controls as additional security layers
References
- cPanel Technical Security Release: https://news.cpanel.com/cpanel-tsr-2017-0005-full-disclosure/
- cPanel Version 68 Change Log: https://documentation.cpanel.net/display/CL/68+Change+Log
- CWE-284 (Improper Access Control): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/284.html
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low

