CVE-2007-5453 in Php-Stats
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple eval injection vulnerabilities in Php-Stats 0.1.9.2 allow remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary code by writing PHP sequences to the php-stats-options record in the _options table, which is used in an eval function call by (1) admin.php, (2) click.php, (3) download.php, and unspecified other files, as demonstrated by modifying _options through a backup restore action in admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5453 represents a critical code injection flaw within Php-Stats version 0.1.9.2 that stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of user-supplied data within the _options table, where administrative users can manipulate configuration settings through the php-stats-options record. The flaw manifests when the application processes these configuration values within eval function calls, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects multiple files including admin.php, click.php, download.php, and potentially other unspecified components that utilize the same evaluation mechanism. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an Eval() Context, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated administrator account, which significantly reduces the attack surface compared to fully remote exploits. However, the impact remains severe as administrators typically possess elevated privileges and access to sensitive system resources. Attackers can leverage the backup restore functionality in admin.php to inject malicious PHP code into the _options table, which then gets executed when the eval function processes the stored configuration values. The eval function call in multiple files creates a widespread attack vector since any file that references the _options table could potentially be exploited. This design pattern violates fundamental security principles by allowing user-controllable data to be directly interpreted as executable code, creating a classic code injection vulnerability that can be exploited for complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data destruction capabilities. An attacker with administrative access can execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system takeover, and persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability's presence in multiple files increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes remediation more complex. Organizations using Php-Stats 0.1.9.2 face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where administrative interfaces are often less protected than public-facing components, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to gain deeper system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5453 require immediate attention and should include comprehensive patching of the Php-Stats application to version 0.1.9.3 or later, which addresses the eval injection vulnerability. Organizations must implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, particularly within configuration management systems. The use of eval functions should be eliminated or strictly restricted to prevent dynamic code execution from user-controllable inputs. Additional security measures include implementing proper access controls and privilege separation, where administrative functions are separated from regular user operations. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar patterns in other applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates a common weakness in legacy codebases. The implementation of web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense. Furthermore, organizations should establish secure coding practices that prevent the reuse of user-supplied data in eval contexts and implement proper output encoding to prevent injection attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate similar issues across the entire application portfolio.