HP has re-released a security bulletin and updated software to address the PHP hash collisions fix regression max_input_vars arbitrary code execution vulnerability.
Description
PHP 5.3.9 contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected system.
The vulnerability is due to a regression error in the PHP 5.3.9 update. The update introduced the error with the addition of the max_input_vars directive, which is intended to prevent hash collision attacks. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending malicious requests to the affected PHP-based application. If successful, the attacker could execute arbitrary code or cause a DoS condition on the targeted system
Proof-of-concept code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.
PHP has confirmed this vulnerability and released updated software.
Warning Indicators
PHP version 5.3.9 is vulnerable.
IntelliShield Analysis
PHP is widely utilized for many web applications and has a large installation base. The regression error that introduces the vulnerability was part of a security update to the affected software. Because the version update was a recommended security update, the vulnerability may exist on a large number of web servers.
Proof-of-concept code is publicly available, increasing the likelihood of attack.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server. This could allow the attacker to modify and view files with web server privileges or create a DoS condition on the affected system, denying access to legitimate users.
Technical Information
The vulnerability is due to an implementation flaw in the code that handles the hashing functionality in the affected software. PHP 5.3.9 implemented a fix to remediate a hash collision DoS condition. The fix implemented the new directive max_input_vars in the PHP configuration file php.ini, and corresponding updates to the function php_register_variable_ex() in the php_variables.c source code file. The new code performs improper boundary checks.
An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit the vulnerability by sending HTTP requests that contain a number of variables that exceed the value defined in max_input_vars and that include an array with malicious code to an affected PHP-based application. Processing the input could result in arbitrary code execution in the security context of the web server or cause a DoS condition.
Safeguards
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
Patches/Software
PHP has released updated versions at the following links: PHP 5.3.10
Apple has released updated software at the following links:
Red Hat packages can be updated using the up2date or yum command.
Alert History
Version 5, June 29, 2012, 8:59 PM: HP has released an additional security bulletin and updated software to address the PHP hash collisions fix regression max_input_vars arbitrary code execution vulnerability.
Version 4, June 15, 2012, 10:16 AM: HP has released a security bulletin and updated software to address the PHP hash collisions fix regression max_input_vars arbitrary code execution vulnerability.
Version 3, May 10, 2012, 11:03 AM: Apple has released a security advisory and updated software to address the PHP hash collisions fix regression max_input_vars arbitrary code execution vulnerability.
Version 2, February 6, 2012, 12:18 PM: FreeBSD has released a VuXML document and updated ports collection to address the PHP hash collisions fix regression max_input_vars arbitrary code execution vulnerability.
Version 1, February 3, 2012, 9:43 AM: PHP contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service condition. Updates are available.
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System Management Homepage (SMH)
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