CVE-2025-48703: Control Web Panel RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-48703 Overview

CWP (aka Control Web Panel or CentOS Web Panel) before 0.9.8.1205 allows unauthenticated remote code execution via shell metacharacters in the t_total parameter in a filemanager changePerm request. A valid non-root username must be known.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables an attacker to execute arbitrary commands leading to complete system compromise.

Affected Products

• Control-webpanel Webpanel

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-09-19T18:15:36.620 - CVE CVE-2025-48703 published to NVD
• 2025-11-05T14:07:33.610 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-48703

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability arises from improper handling and sanitization of the t_total parameter within filemanager changePerm requests, allowing for arbitrary command execution when special shell metacharacters are injected.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the lack of input validation and sanitization in the processing of user-supplied parameters within the filemanager component, making it susceptible to command injection.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is over the network, requiring the attacker to have a valid non-root username to initiate the request.

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
curl -X POST \
  -d "action=changePerm&t_total=/;/bin/bash-c 'malicious_command'" \
  http://example.com/api/filemanager

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-48703

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected executions of shell commands from the application user
• Unusual outbound traffic or connections initiated to suspicious IPs
• Presence of new unauthorized user accounts

Detection Strategies

IDS/IPS solutions should be configured to monitor for anomalies in HTTP POST requests targeting sensitive endpoints. Analyze logs for unexpected command executions and deviations from normal behavior.

Monitoring Recommendations

Regularly review system logs for unauthorized activity. Utilize SentinelOne to detect unusual behavior and command executions indicative of exploitation attempts using AI-driven heuristic analysis.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-48703

Immediate Actions Required

• Remove unnecessary access to the CWP panel from external networks
• Ensure all credentials are secure and rotate any potentially compromised passwords
• Apply application-level firewalls (WAF) configurations to prevent malicious inputs

Patch Information

Control Web Panel has released an update fixing this issue in version 0.9.8.1205. It is critical to apply this patch immediately to safeguard systems.

Workarounds

Isolate the CWP from direct internet access and utilize VPNs for administrative access to mitigate the risk of exploitation until patches can be applied.

# Configuration example
firewall-cmd --permanent --zone=public --add-source=trusted_ip
firewall-cmd --reload