CVE-2005-4154 in PEAR
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in PEAR installer 1.4.2 and earlier allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted package that can execute code when the pear command is executed or when the Web/Gtk frontend is loaded.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4154 represents a critical security flaw within the PEAR (PHP Extension and Application Repository) installer version 1.4.2 and earlier releases. This unspecified vulnerability creates a dangerous attack vector that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on systems running affected versions of the PEAR installer. The vulnerability specifically targets the package installation process where crafted packages can be designed to contain malicious code that executes during normal operation of the pear command or when web-based or Gtk graphical interfaces are loaded.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the PEAR installer's package handling mechanism. When users install packages through the PEAR installer, the system processes package metadata and executable components without adequate security checks. This allows attackers to craft malicious packages that contain shell commands, PHP code execution payloads, or other dangerous code segments that are executed during the installation process or when the package is loaded in the web or graphical frontend interfaces. The vulnerability operates under the principle of code injection and privilege escalation, where user-assisted attacks leverage legitimate installation workflows to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4154 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when attackers exploit this vulnerability. Organizations running affected PEAR installer versions face significant risks including data theft, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal package installation procedures, making it difficult for administrators to detect or prevent malicious package installations. Attackers can distribute malicious packages through legitimate PEAR repositories or directly to users, creating a widespread attack surface that affects any system with vulnerable PEAR installations.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to PEAR installer versions 1.4.3 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through improved input validation and package handling procedures. System administrators should implement strict package verification processes, including checksum validation and digital signature verification, before installing any packages from third-party repositories. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, as well as monitoring for unusual package installation activities that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-94 categories related to improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries and code injection respectively, and corresponds to ATT&CK techniques involving execution through package managers and privilege escalation through code injection.