CVE-2007-1411 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in PHP 4.4.6 and earlier, and unspecified PHP 5 versions, allows local and possibly remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long server name arguments to the (1) mssql_connect and (2) mssql_pconnect functions.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1411 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting PHP versions 4.4.6 and earlier, as well as unspecified versions of PHP 5. This security issue specifically targets the mssql_connect and mssql_pconnect functions within the PHP database connectivity module, creating a potential pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation when processing server name arguments, allowing maliciously crafted input to exceed allocated buffer boundaries and overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the PHP database extension responsible for connecting to Microsoft SQL Server databases. When the mssql_connect or mssql_pconnect functions receive server name parameters exceeding predetermined buffer limits, the memory management routines fail to properly handle the overflow condition. This buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the program execution flow by overwriting critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures. The vulnerability can be exploited locally through direct system access or remotely if the affected PHP application is accessible over network interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in web server environments where PHP scripts interact with external database systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers exploiting this flaw could gain unauthorized access to database servers, escalate privileges within affected systems, or potentially establish persistent backdoors through the execution of malicious code. The vulnerability affects organizations running legacy PHP installations where database connectivity to Microsoft SQL Server is required, particularly impacting web applications that utilize MSSQL database connections. The risk is amplified in environments where PHP applications are exposed to untrusted input sources, as the buffer overflow can be triggered through user-supplied server name parameters passed to the vulnerable functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-1411 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched PHP releases that address the buffer overflow conditions in the mssql_connect and mssql_pconnect functions. Organizations should prioritize updating their PHP installations to versions that have been verified to contain the necessary security patches, typically PHP 4.4.7 or later and PHP 5.2.1 or later. Additionally, implementing input validation measures to restrict server name parameter lengths and sanitizing all user-supplied inputs before processing can provide additional protective layers. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable PHP applications to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to complicate exploitation attempts, though these measures are supplementary to proper version updates and input validation practices. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 and CWE-122 categories related to stack-based and heap-based buffer overflows, and represents a typical entry point for attackers following MITRE ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components in enterprise environments, particularly for language runtimes and database connectivity libraries that handle external inputs. Legacy PHP installations remain particularly vulnerable to such flaws due to extended support periods and delayed patch adoption, creating persistent security risks for organizations that fail to implement proper software lifecycle management practices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include identification of legacy PHP installations to ensure timely remediation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities that may exist in other PHP functions or extensions.