CVE-2013-10052
Unknown Unknown - Not Provided
BaseFortify

Publication date: 2025-08-04

Last updated on: 2025-08-05

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description
ZPanel includes a helper binary named zsudo, intended to allow restricted privilege escalation for administrative tasks. However, when misconfigured in /etc/sudoers, zsudo can be invoked by low-privileged usersΒ to execute arbitrary commands as root. This flaw enables local attackers with shell access to escalate privileges by writing a payload to a writable directory and executing it via zsudo. The vulnerability is particularly impactful in post-exploitation scenarios following web server compromise, where the attacker inherits access to zsudo.
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Meta Information
Published
2025-08-04
Last Modified
2025-08-05
Generated
2026-05-07
AI Q&A
2025-08-04
EPSS Evaluated
2026-05-05
NVD
EUVD
Affected Vendors & Products
Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
zpanel zpanel *
zpanel zsudo *
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-269 The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
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AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?

CVE-2013-10052 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in ZPanel's helper binary called zsudo. When zsudo is misconfigured in the /etc/sudoers file, low-privileged users can exploit it to execute arbitrary commands as the root user. This happens because zsudo allows restricted privilege escalation for administrative tasks, but improper sudoers configuration lets attackers with local shell access write and execute a payload with root privileges. This vulnerability is especially dangerous after an attacker has compromised the web server and gained limited access, as they can then escalate their privileges to root. [1, 2, 4]


How can this vulnerability impact me? :

This vulnerability allows an attacker who already has limited local access (such as a web server user) to escalate their privileges to root. This means the attacker can gain full control over the affected system, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability. They can execute arbitrary commands as root, potentially installing malware, stealing data, or disrupting services. The attack requires low complexity and no user interaction, making it a serious risk in post-exploitation scenarios. [1, 2, 4]


How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?

This vulnerability can be detected by checking if the zsudo binary is present and if it is configured in the /etc/sudoers file to allow execution by low-privileged users. You can verify the presence of the zsudo binary with a command like `ls -l /etc/zpanel/panel/bin/zsudo` (default path). To check the sudoers configuration, you can run `sudo cat /etc/sudoers` or `sudo visudo -c` and look for entries allowing zsudo execution by non-root users. Additionally, verifying writable directories like /tmp for suspicious executable files or scripts related to zsudo usage may help detect exploitation attempts. Since a Metasploit module exists, you can also use it to test if the system is vulnerable by attempting controlled exploitation in a safe environment. [1, 2, 4]


What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?

Immediate mitigation steps include removing or restricting the zsudo entry in the /etc/sudoers file to prevent low-privileged users from executing it with elevated privileges. Ensure that zsudo is not accessible or executable by unauthorized users. You can edit the sudoers file using `visudo` to remove or tighten permissions for zsudo. Additionally, restrict write permissions on directories like /tmp to prevent attackers from placing payloads there. If zsudo is not required, consider removing the binary entirely. Applying these changes will prevent local users with limited privileges from escalating their privileges via this vulnerability. [1, 2, 4]


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