CVE-2006-0144 in PHP PEAR
Summary
by MITRE
The proxy server feature in go-pear.php in PHP PEAR 0.2.2, as used in Apache2Triad, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by redirecting go-pear.php to a malicious proxy server that provides a modified version of Tar.php with a malicious extractModify function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0144 represents a critical security flaw in the PHP PEAR package management system, specifically within the go-pear.php script version 0.2.2. This vulnerability arises from the proxy server functionality that was implemented to facilitate network operations in the Apache2Triad environment. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through a sophisticated man-in-the-middle attack vector that exploits the trust relationship between the PEAR installer and its proxy configuration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate proxy functionality to deliver malicious code that can compromise the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of proxy server configurations within the PEAR package manager. When go-pear.php attempts to establish a connection through a proxy server, it downloads and executes additional components from remote sources. The malicious proxy server provides a modified version of Tar.php, which contains a malicious extractModify function that executes arbitrary code on the target system. This function operates by manipulating the extraction process of tar archives, allowing attackers to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed during the package installation process. The vulnerability specifically targets the trust model that exists between the PEAR installer and its proxy configuration, where the installer assumes that remote proxy servers provide legitimate and unmodified components.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-0144 is severe and far-reaching for systems running affected versions of PHP PEAR. Remote attackers can gain complete control over vulnerable systems by executing arbitrary code, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects not only individual installations but also entire network infrastructures where multiple systems rely on the PEAR package manager for software deployment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks against other network resources. The attack requires minimal user interaction since the exploitation occurs during the automatic package installation process, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes the improper neutralization of special elements in command strings, and also relates to the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities that are systematically addressed in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of command and control. The attack vector specifically maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for PHP and T1133 for external remote services, demonstrating how attackers can leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code. Organizations should implement strict network segmentation and proxy server access controls to prevent unauthorized access to the PEAR package manager. Additionally, regular security audits of package managers and their configurations are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The recommended mitigation includes updating to patched versions of PHP PEAR, implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious proxy traffic, and establishing secure code review processes for all third-party components that may be downloaded through automated package management systems.