CVE-2023-29489:Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in cPanel error pages allows attackers to execute malicious scripts through invalid webcall IDs.

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A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability (CVE-2023-29489) was discovered in cPanel versions prior to 11.109.9999.116. The vulnerability exists in the cpsrvd error page where user-supplied input via invalid webcall IDs is not properly sanitized before being reflected back to users. This vulnerability, identified as SEC-669, could allow attackers to inject and execute malicious JavaScript code in victims' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other client-side attacks. The issue affects millions of websites using vulnerable cPanel versions.

Overview

This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into cPanel error pages through specially crafted invalid webcall IDs. When a user accesses a manipulated URL containing the malicious payload, the cpsrvd service reflects the unsanitized input in the error page, causing the victim's browser to execute the injected JavaScript code. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it affects the widely deployed cPanel control panel software used by hosting providers worldwide. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to user accounts, data theft, or further attacks against the affected systems and their users.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, system administrators should update their cPanel installations to one of the following fixed versions:

  • 11.109.9999.116 or later
  • 11.108.0.13 or later
  • 11.106.0.18 or later
  • 11.102.0.31 or later

The update process can be performed through the cPanel & WHM Update System. Administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as:

  • Enabling Content Security Policy (CSP) headers
  • Implementing proper input validation and output encoding
  • Using Web Application Firewalls (WAF) to filter potential XSS attacks
  • Regularly monitoring logs for suspicious activities

References

  1. Vendor Advisory: https://forums.cpanel.net/threads/cpanel-tsr-2023-0001-full-disclosure.708949/
  2. Detailed Exploit Analysis: https://blog.assetnote.io/2023/04/26/xss-million-websites-cpanel/
  3. CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/79.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
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.

  1. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  4. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  5. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  6. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  7. Construction
    Construction
  8. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database