CVE-2007-4507 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the php_ntuser component for PHP 5.2.3 allow context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code via long arguments to the (1) ntuser_getuserlist, (2) ntuser_getuserinfo, (3) ntuser_getusergroups, or (4) ntuser_getdomaincontroller functions.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4507 represents a critical security flaw in the php_ntuser component of PHP version 5.2.3, specifically targeting four distinct functions that interface with Windows NT user management capabilities. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the component, creating exploitable buffer overflow conditions that can be triggered through carefully crafted long argument inputs. The affected functions ntuser_getuserlist, ntuser_getuserinfo, ntuser_getusergroups, and ntuser_getdomaincontroller all share a common vulnerability architecture that allows malicious actors to manipulate memory structures through excessive parameter lengths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through stack-based buffer overflow mechanisms where the php_ntuser component fails to properly validate the length of input arguments before processing them. When attackers provide excessively long strings as arguments to any of the four targeted functions, the component attempts to copy these values into fixed-size buffers without adequate bounds checking. This fundamental flaw in input sanitization creates a scenario where memory corruption occurs, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, addressing heap-based buffer overflow scenarios that can occur during dynamic memory allocation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass full arbitrary code execution capabilities within the context of the affected PHP process. Attackers can leverage these buffer overflows to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that successful exploitation requires the target system to be running PHP with the vulnerable ntuser component enabled and accessible through web requests. This vulnerability particularly affects Windows-based web servers that utilize PHP for dynamic content generation and user management functionalities, creating a significant risk for enterprise environments where PHP applications interact with Windows domain controllers.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious HTTP requests containing overly long arguments to the vulnerable PHP functions, which then triggers the buffer overflow during function execution. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it could be exploited through web-based interfaces without requiring direct system access or elevated privileges. The exploitability of this issue increases significantly in environments where PHP applications perform user authentication or domain controller lookups, as these scenarios provide the most direct pathways for attackers to reach the vulnerable functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4507 should prioritize immediate patching of affected PHP installations to version 5.2.4 or later, where the buffer overflow vulnerabilities have been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to PHP applications that utilize the ntuser component, particularly when these functions are not essential for core application functionality. Additionally, comprehensive input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including web application firewalls, application code level sanitization, and server configuration restrictions. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual argument lengths in PHP application requests, particularly those targeting Windows authentication functions, as these patterns may indicate attempted exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in server-side scripting environments, with implications extending beyond PHP to emphasize the broader security principles of defensive programming and secure code development practices.