CVE-2018-20926 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability exists in cPanel versions earlier than 70.0.23, allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges through the WHM Locale XML Upload interface (SEC-380).

Understanding CVE-2018-20926

This CVE identifies a local privilege escalation vulnerability in cPanel versions prior to 70.0.23.

What is CVE-2018-20926?

cPanel before version 70.0.23 is susceptible to a local privilege escalation exploit via the WHM Locale XML Upload interface (SEC-380).

The Impact of CVE-2018-20926

The vulnerability allows attackers to elevate their privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20926

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in cPanel versions earlier than 70.0.23 enables local privilege escalation through the WHM Locale XML Upload interface (SEC-380).

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: cPanel versions before 70.0.23
Vulnerability Status: Affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the WHM Locale XML Upload interface to gain elevated privileges on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20926 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update cPanel to version 70.0.23 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities indicating a potential exploit.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit the impact of potential privilege escalation attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from cPanel and promptly apply patches to address any identified vulnerabilities.