CVE-2008-7002 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
PHP 5.2.5 does not enforce (a) open_basedir and (b) safe_mode_exec_dir restrictions for certain functions, which might allow local users to bypass intended access restrictions and call programs outside of the intended directory via the (1) exec, (2) system, (3) shell_exec, (4) passthru, or (5) popen functions, possibly involving pathnames such as "C:" drive notation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-7002 represents a critical security flaw in PHP 5.2.5 that undermines fundamental access control mechanisms designed to restrict file system operations. This issue specifically affects the open_basedir and safe_mode_exec_dir configuration directives that are intended to limit which directories and executables PHP scripts can access, creating a dangerous bypass opportunity for local attackers seeking to escalate privileges or access restricted system resources.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper enforcement of security restrictions within several key PHP execution functions including exec, system, shell_exec, passthru, and popen. These functions are designed to execute system commands, but due to the vulnerability, they fail to properly validate whether the requested operations comply with the configured open_basedir and safe_mode_exec_dir restrictions. This weakness allows malicious actors to circumvent directory access controls by exploiting path resolution mechanisms that do not properly account for the security boundaries established by PHP's configuration parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary programs located outside of the intended execution directories. The specific mention of "C:" drive notation suggests that the flaw may particularly affect Windows environments where drive letter specifications can bypass standard path validation checks. This creates a scenario where local users can execute binaries or scripts located in system directories that should normally be restricted, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution, data exfiltration, or further system compromise.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability directly relates to CWE-255 Credentials Management and CWE-264 Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls, representing a failure in proper input validation and privilege separation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under Privilege Escalation and Defense Evasion techniques, as attackers can leverage the bypass to execute malicious payloads while avoiding detection mechanisms that rely on proper access controls. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor path through which attackers can circumvent the security model that PHP implements to protect against unauthorized system interactions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to a patched version of PHP, implementing additional application-level controls, and conducting thorough security reviews of existing PHP applications. The recommended approach involves not only updating the PHP runtime environment but also ensuring that all applications properly validate user inputs and implement additional layers of security checks beyond the built-in PHP restrictions. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be leveraged to perform reconnaissance and establish persistent access to compromised systems.