CVE-2018-20888 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in cPanel versions prior to 74.0.0 allows unauthorized file modification within the root account due to incorrect HTTP authentication.

perating System: cPanel

Understanding CVE-2018-20888

This CVE entry describes a security issue in cPanel versions before 74.0.0 that enables unauthorized file modifications within the root account.

What is CVE-2018-20888?

cPanel versions prior to 74.0.0 are susceptible to a security flaw (SEC-424) that permits unauthorized file modifications within the root account due to incorrect HTTP authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20888

The vulnerability allows attackers to modify files within the root account, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20888

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

cPanel versions before 74.0.0 are affected
Incorrect HTTP authentication (SEC-424) enables file modification within the root account

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: cPanel
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions before 74.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability to modify files within the root account

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-20888, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade cPanel to version 74.0.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability
Monitor file modifications and access logs for suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access
Regularly update and patch cPanel to address security vulnerabilities
Conduct security audits to identify and remediate potential weaknesses

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by cPanel to fix the vulnerability