In PHP versions 8.1.* before 8.1.28, 8.2.* before 8.2.18, and 8.3.* before 8.3.5, a critical vulnerability exists when using the proc_open() command with array syntax. This vulnerability allows attackers to control the arguments of the executed command due to insufficient escaping, which can lead to the execution of arbitrary commands in the Windows shell. The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 9.4, indicating a high severity level that necessitates immediate attention from organizations.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information and system compromise, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious commands. Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations using affected PHP versions should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability was published on April 29, 2024, and is classified under CWE-116. It affects both the PHP programming language and the Fedora operating system, indicating a broader impact across systems utilizing these technologies.
As of now, a known exploit exists, and organizations should be vigilant in monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. The urgency for defenders to act is underscored by the critical nature of this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows attackers to leverage the proc_open() command, which executes a command and opens file descriptors for input/output. The problem arises when user-controlled arguments are passed without proper escaping, enabling command injection.
The affected products include PHP versions 8.1.* before 8.1.28, 8.2.* before 8.2.18, and 8.3.* before 8.3.5. The vulnerability was disclosed on April 29, 2024, marking a significant security concern for the community.
The official CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.4, indicating critical severity. The vector is NETWORK, with low attack complexity and no privileges required to exploit.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient escaping when passing arguments to the proc_open() command. Attackers can manipulate the input to execute arbitrary commands on the Windows shell, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the system.
The attack vector is network-based, allowing for remote exploitation. The complexity of the attack is low, as no special privileges are required, and no user interaction is necessary. This makes it particularly dangerous, as it can be exploited without requiring access to the system.
The potential impacts include high confidentiality and integrity loss, with a low availability impact. Organizations utilizing affected PHP versions should be aware of the significant risk this poses to their systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risks are significant given the widespread use of PHP in web applications. The potential for attackers to execute arbitrary commands increases the blast radius, affecting not only the compromised system but also potentially leading to further attacks within the network.
Organizations must recognize the urgency of this issue and act promptly by patching affected systems. Failure to do so could result in severe consequences, including data breaches and system outages.
The CVSS score of 9.4 indicates that this vulnerability should be treated as a priority for patching. The known exploitation status further emphasizes the criticality of immediate remediation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of PHP include 8.1.* before 8.1.28, 8.2.* before 8.2.18, and 8.3.* before 8.3.5. Additionally, Fedora versions 39 and 40 are also impacted. Organizations should ensure they are running patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the latest versions of PHP: 8.1.28, 8.2.18, and 8.3.5 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing input validation and sanitization to mitigate command injection risks.
Monitoring for any unusual command execution through proc_open() is also recommended. For assistance, organizations may consider penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities in their applications.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indications of command injection attempts, particularly involving proc_open(). Look for unusual patterns in command execution and any unauthorized changes to system configurations.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, especially in command execution functions. Organizations should regularly review their codebases to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure proper input validation.
The ongoing trend of command injection vulnerabilities emphasizes the need for comprehensive security assessments. Incorporating preventive measures into the development lifecycle can significantly reduce the risk of such vulnerabilities.
For further insights, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology to enhance their security posture.
Additionally, organizations should consider implementing a vulnerability management program to effectively identify and remediate vulnerabilities as they arise.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)