CVE-2017-11441 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in cPanel versions prior to 56.0.51, 58.x before 58.0.52, 60.x before 60.0.45, 62.x before 62.0.27, 64.x before 64.0.33, and 66.x before 66.0.2 allows attackers to inject malicious code through a filename associated with a specific locale.

Understanding CVE-2017-11441

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in the WHM Upload Locale interface in cPanel versions.

What is CVE-2017-11441?

The vulnerability allows attackers to perform Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks by injecting malicious code through a specific locale filename.

The Impact of CVE-2017-11441

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions on the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-11441

The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The WHM Upload Locale interface in cPanel versions before 56.0.51, 58.x before 58.0.52, 60.x before 60.0.45, 62.x before 62.0.27, 64.x before 64.0.33, and 66.x before 66.0.2 is susceptible to XSS attacks via a locale filename.

Affected Systems and Versions

cPanel versions prior to 56.0.51
cPanel 58.x before 58.0.52
cPanel 60.x before 60.0.45
cPanel 62.x before 62.0.27
cPanel 64.x before 64.0.33
cPanel 66.x before 66.0.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the filename associated with a specific locale to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-11441 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update cPanel to versions 56.0.51, 58.0.52, 60.0.45, 62.0.27, 64.0.33, or 66.0.2 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit file uploads and user inputs for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and filenames.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of XSS attacks and best security practices.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by cPanel to address the XSS vulnerability.