CVE-2007-4660 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the chunk_split function in PHP before 5.2.4 has unknown impact and attack vectors, related to an incorrect size calculation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4660 affects the chunk_split function within PHP versions prior to 5.2.4, representing a critical security flaw that could potentially enable arbitrary code execution or data manipulation. This issue stems from an incorrect size calculation within the chunk_split function implementation, which processes string data by splitting it into smaller chunks based on specified parameters. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability's impact and attack vectors suggests that the flaw could manifest in multiple ways depending on how the function is utilized within applications, making it particularly dangerous for security assessments and remediation planning.
The technical flaw resides in the chunk_split function's handling of string length calculations when processing input data, where improper size determination leads to memory corruption or buffer overflows. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory safety issues, specifically aligning with CWE-122 which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The function's incorrect size calculation could result in writing beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow or inject malicious code. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as it could enable attackers to manipulate input processing in ways that bypass normal security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Applications using PHP versions before 5.2.4 that employ the chunk_split function for processing user input or external data sources face significant risk, particularly in web applications where input validation may be insufficient. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when the function processes untrusted data, as attackers could craft malicious inputs that trigger the flawed size calculation logic. This flaw could be particularly problematic in applications handling email processing, file manipulation, or any scenario where string data needs to be chunked for processing, as these contexts often involve user-supplied data that may not be properly sanitized.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4660 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected PHP installations to version 5.2.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the chunk_split function's size calculation logic. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected PHP versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additional protective measures include implementing robust input validation and sanitization protocols, particularly for any data processed through the chunk_split function, and monitoring application logs for anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation patterns, as the vulnerability's attack vectors may not be immediately obvious. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting other PHP components or functions within the application ecosystem.