CVE-2021-45466
Control Web Panel vulnerability analysis and mitigation

Overview

In CWP (Control Web Panel, formerly known as CentOS Web Panel) versions before 0.9.8.1107, a critical vulnerability was identified where attackers could make crafted requests to api/?api=addserver&DHCP= to add an authorizedkeys text file in the /resources/ folder. This web hosting management software, used by over 200,000 servers, was discovered to contain this vulnerability in December 2021 (NVD, THN).

Technical details

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (CRITICAL) with the vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The issue is classified under CWE-863 (Incorrect Authorization). The vulnerability exists in unauthenticated PHP pages exposed in the webroot, specifically /user/loader.php and /user/index.php (NVD, Octagon).

Impact

When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to achieve pre-authenticated remote code execution (RCE) as root on affected Linux servers. The vulnerability affects the server's security by allowing unauthorized file writing capabilities, which could lead to complete system compromise (Threatpost).

Mitigation and workarounds

The vulnerability has been patched in version 0.9.8.1107 and later releases. System administrators are strongly advised to upgrade their CWP installations to the latest version to prevent exploitation (CWP Changelog).

Additional resources


SourceThis report was generated using AI

Related Control Web Panel vulnerabilities:

CVE ID

Severity

Score

Technologies

Component name

CISA KEV exploit

Has fix

Published date

CVE-2023-42121CRITICAL9.8
  • Control Web PanelControl Web Panel
  • cpe:2.3:a:control-webpanel:webpanel
NoYesMay 03, 2024
CVE-2025-48703CRITICAL9
  • Control Web PanelControl Web Panel
  • cpe:2.3:a:control-webpanel:webpanel
YesYesSep 19, 2025
CVE-2023-42123HIGH8.8
  • Control Web PanelControl Web Panel
  • cpe:2.3:a:control-webpanel:webpanel
NoYesMay 03, 2024
CVE-2023-42120HIGH8.8
  • Control Web PanelControl Web Panel
  • cpe:2.3:a:control-webpanel:webpanel
NoYesMay 03, 2024
CVE-2023-42122HIGH7.8
  • Control Web PanelControl Web Panel
  • cpe:2.3:a:control-webpanel:webpanel
NoYesMay 03, 2024

Free Vulnerability Assessment

Benchmark your Cloud Security Posture

Evaluate your cloud security practices across 9 security domains to benchmark your risk level and identify gaps in your defenses.

Request assessment

Get a personalized demo

Ready to see Wiz in action?

"Best User Experience I have ever seen, provides full visibility to cloud workloads."
David EstlickCISO
"Wiz provides a single pane of glass to see what is going on in our cloud environments."
Adam FletcherChief Security Officer
"We know that if Wiz identifies something as critical, it actually is."
Greg PoniatowskiHead of Threat and Vulnerability Management