GLSA 200608-28: PHP: Arbitary code execution

http://security.gentoo.org/

Severity:	normal
Title:	PHP: Arbitary code execution
Date:	08/29/2006
Bugs:	#143126
ID:	200608-28

Synopsis

PHP contains a function that, when used, could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.

Background

PHP is a widely-used general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for Web development and can be embedded into HTML.

Affected packages

Package	Vulnerable	Unaffected	Architecture(s)
dev-lang/php	< 5.1.4-r6	>= 4.4.3-r1	All supported architectures

Description

The sscanf() PHP function contains an array boundary error that can be exploited to dereference a null pointer. This can possibly allow the bypass of the safe mode protection by executing arbitrary code.

Impact

A remote attacker might be able to exploit this vulnerability in PHP applications making use of the sscanf() function, potentially resulting in the execution of arbitrary code or the execution of scripted contents in the context of the affected site.

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All PHP 4.x users should upgrade to the latest version:

    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/php-4.4.3-r1"

All PHP 5.x users should upgrade to the latest version:


    # emerge --sync
    # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/php-5.1.4-r6"

References

CVE-2006-4020

Availability

This GLSA and any updates to it are available for viewing at the Gentoo Security Website: http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200608-28.xml

Concerns?

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to security@gentoo.org or alternatively, you may file a bug at https://bugs.gentoo.org.