CVE-2018-20953 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability exists in versions of cPanel earlier than 68.0.27, which permits self XSS within the WHM listips interface (identified as SEC-389).

Understanding CVE-2018-20953

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in cPanel versions prior to 68.0.27 that allows for self XSS within the WHM listips interface.

What is CVE-2018-20953?

cPanel before version 68.0.27 is susceptible to a self XSS vulnerability in the WHM listips interface, known as SEC-389.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20953

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts within the WHM listips interface, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20953

Vulnerability Description

cPanel versions before 68.0.27 are vulnerable to self XSS in the WHM listips interface (SEC-389).

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: cPanel
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions earlier than 68.0.27

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the WHM listips interface, potentially compromising user data or performing unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update cPanel to version 68.0.27 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit the WHM listips interface for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks of clicking on unknown links or executing untrusted scripts.
Implement strict input validation and output encoding practices to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by cPanel to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2018-20953.