CVE-2018-20921 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability was discovered in cPanel version prior to 70.0.23, allowing stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through the action of deleting a DNS zone in WHM (Web Host Manager) (SEC-375).

Understanding CVE-2018-20921

This CVE involves a stored XSS vulnerability in cPanel before version 70.0.23 that can be exploited through the deletion of a DNS zone in WHM.

What is CVE-2018-20921?

The vulnerability in cPanel allows for stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks when performing the action of deleting a DNS zone in WHM.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20921

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20921

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in cPanel before version 70.0.23 enables stored XSS through the WHM "Delete a DNS Zone" action (SEC-375).

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: cPanel versions prior to 70.0.23

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating input related to deleting a DNS zone in WHM to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-20921, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update cPanel to version 70.0.23 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review user inputs and activities within WHM to detect any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks.
Educate users on safe practices to avoid executing malicious scripts.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by cPanel to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.