External risk intelligence

Webmin Command Injection Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-15107

A vulnerability in Webmin's password change feature allows for command injection, enabling unauthorized command execution on affected systems. This presents a significant risk of system compromise and data breaches. Organizations should identify and secure all Webmin assets.

4Halo Surface Signal

OS Command Injection

Webmin

1.920 and earlier

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-15107

Webmin is a web-based interface commonly used for system administration. While it is intended for management, it is frequently deployed as an internet-accessible service or gateway to manage servers remotely, making the vulnerable web interface reachable from the public internet in many common deployment scenarios.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Webmin's password change feature contains a flaw that allows for command injection. This means an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The impact could include unauthorized system access and modification.

  • Vulnerable component: Webmin password change feature
  • Core weakness: Command injection in a parameter
  • Main business impact: Unauthorized command execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the server. The attacker can exploit a command injection flaw within the password change functionality of Webmin. Successful exploitation could lead to a complete compromise of the affected system, allowing the attacker to take control of the server, access sensitive data, or disrupt operations.

  • External access to Webmin.
  • Attacker sends a malicious request.
  • Arbitrary command execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for unauthorized command execution on systems running vulnerable versions of Webmin. Attackers can exploit this to gain control of affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system disruption, or the deployment of further malicious software. The ease of exploitation and the critical impact necessitate immediate attention and remediation to mitigate business risk.

  • Attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: None
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization's Webmin installations contain a critical vulnerability that allows for unauthenticated remote command execution. This presents a significant risk of unauthorized access and control over affected systems. The issue lies within the `password_change.cgi` script, where a parameter is susceptible to command injection. This could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further network intrusion.

  • Find all Webmin assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate affected assets.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify the fix.

Frequently asked questions

What is Webmin and how is it used for system administration?

Webmin is a web-based interface designed for administering Unix-like operating systems. It provides a graphical way to manage system settings, user accounts, services, and configuration files through a web browser, simplifying administrative tasks.

How does CVE-2019-15107 enable command injection in Webmin?

CVE-2019-15107 is a command injection vulnerability that exists within Webmin's `password_change.cgi` script. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the 'old' parameter to inject and execute arbitrary operating system commands.

What conditions allow an attacker to trigger the Webmin vulnerability?

This vulnerability can be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker. The attacker needs to send a malicious request to the Webmin server, specifically targeting the password change functionality, to execute arbitrary commands.

What is the potential impact of exploiting the Webmin command injection flaw?

Successful exploitation of this flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system without authentication. This can lead to a full system compromise, enabling unauthorized access, data theft, or disruption of services. Halo Surface Signal indicates this is a likely threat due to the web-based nature of Webmin.

What steps should be taken to address the Webmin vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all Webmin assets, reduce their exposure if possible, and isolate affected systems. Applying vendor-provided updates to Webmin is crucial, followed by verification to ensure the fix has been successfully implemented and the vulnerability is no longer present.

References

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

Sources: malpedia