CVE-2007-1412 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
The cpdf_open function in the ClibPDF (cpdf) extension in PHP 4.4.6 allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information (script source code) via a long string in the second argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1412 resides within the ClibPDF extension of PHP version 4.4.6, specifically targeting the cpdf_open function. This flaw represents a sensitive information disclosure issue that arises from improper input validation and handling within the PDF processing library integration. The vulnerability occurs when the second argument of the cpdf_open function receives an excessively long string, creating a condition where the application fails to properly sanitize or limit the input length, thereby exposing underlying system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a buffer over-read condition that manifests when the cpdf_open function processes malformed input parameters. The ClibPDF extension, which provides PDF generation capabilities for PHP applications, does not adequately validate the length or content of the second argument passed to the cpdf_open function. This oversight creates a scenario where attackers can craft specially constructed input strings that exceed expected parameter boundaries, causing the underlying PDF library to inadvertently expose memory contents including script source code and potentially other sensitive information. The vulnerability is context-dependent because it requires specific conditions to be met within the application environment, including the presence of the vulnerable ClibPDF extension and proper execution flow that triggers the problematic function.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to web application security and data confidentiality. Attackers exploiting this flaw can gain access to sensitive script source code, which may contain database credentials, application logic, business logic implementations, and other proprietary code elements. The exposure of source code fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected applications, as it provides attackers with detailed knowledge of application architecture and potential attack vectors. This information can be leveraged for further exploitation, including identifying additional vulnerabilities, crafting more sophisticated attacks, or developing targeted malware that can exploit the discovered application weaknesses. The impact extends beyond immediate information disclosure to potentially enable complete application compromise and unauthorized access to backend systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and CWE-200: "Information Exposure" categories, representing a classic buffer overflow condition that leads to information disclosure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083: "File and Directory Discovery" and T1566: "Phishing with Social Engineering" as attackers can use the exposed source code to craft more convincing phishing attacks or to identify additional targets within the application ecosystem. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to PHP versions that contain patched ClibPDF implementations, implementing input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive source code reviews to identify similar input validation issues within other PDF processing libraries or extension components that may present analogous vulnerabilities.