PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution

high Nessus Plugin ID 58988

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Synopsis

The remote web server uses a version of PHP that is affected by a remote code execution vulnerability.

Description

According to its banner, the version of PHP installed on the remote host is earlier than 5.3.12 / 5.4.2, and as such is potentially affected by a remote code execution and information disclosure vulnerability.

An error in the file 'sapi/cgi/cgi_main.c' can allow a remote attacker to obtain PHP source code from the web server or to potentially execute arbitrary code. In vulnerable configurations, PHP treats certain query string parameters as command line arguments including switches such as '-s', '-d', and '-c'.

Note that this vulnerability is exploitable only when PHP is used in CGI-based configurations. Apache with 'mod_php' is not an exploitable configuration.

Solution

Upgrade to PHP version 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 or later. A 'mod_rewrite' workaround is available as well.

Plugin Details

Severity: High

ID: 58988

File Name: php_5_4_2.nasl

Version: 1.27

Type: remote

Family: CGI abuses

Published: 5/4/2012

Updated: 5/31/2024

Configuration: Enable thorough checks

Supported Sensors: Nessus

Enable CGI Scanning: true

Risk Information

VPR

Risk Factor: Critical

Score: 9.0

CVSS v2

Risk Factor: High

Base Score: 7.5

Temporal Score: 6.5

Vector: CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P

CVSS Score Source: CVE-2012-1823

Vulnerability Information

CPE: cpe:/a:php:php

Required KB Items: www/PHP

Excluded KB Items: Settings/disable_cgi_scanning

Exploit Available: true

Exploit Ease: Exploits are available

Patch Publication Date: 5/3/2012

Vulnerability Publication Date: 5/3/2012

CISA Known Exploited Vulnerability Due Dates: 4/15/2022

Exploitable With

CANVAS (CANVAS)

Core Impact

Metasploit (PHP CGI Argument Injection)

Reference Information

CVE: CVE-2012-1823

BID: 53388

CERT: 520827

Detections

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