CVE-2021-30463 : Security Advisory and Response

VestaCP through 0.9.8-24 allows attackers to gain privileges by creating symlinks to files for which they lack permissions. This vulnerability enables changing the admin password via a specific URI due to unsafe use of chmod.

Understanding CVE-2021-30463

This section provides an overview of the vulnerability CVE-2021-30463 affecting VestaCP.

What is CVE-2021-30463?

CVE-2021-30463 describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in VestaCP that allows unauthorized users to gain admin privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30463

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to manipulate admin passwords and potentially take control of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30463

Here are the technical details associated with CVE-2021-30463.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of file permissions in VestaCP, specifically when creating symlinks.

Affected Systems and Versions

All VestaCP installations up to version 0.9.8-24 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by creating symlinks to files for which they lack permissions and then changing the admin password using a specific URI.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-30463, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update VestaCP to the latest version to patch the vulnerability and change admin passwords.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and best practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for VestaCP and apply patches promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.