CVE-2010-3063 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
The php_mysqlnd_read_error_from_line function in the Mysqlnd extension in PHP 5.3 through 5.3.2 does not properly calculate a buffer length, which allows context-dependent attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow via crafted inputs that cause a negative length value to be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3063 resides within the php_mysqlnd_read_error_from_line function of the Mysqlnd extension in PHP versions 5.3 through 5.3.2. This flaw represents a classic heap-based buffer overflow condition that occurs due to improper buffer length calculation during error handling operations. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning that attackers must craft specific inputs that trigger the problematic code path within the MySQL native driver extension. The root cause stems from a mathematical error where a negative length value is computed and subsequently used to determine buffer allocation parameters, creating conditions where memory corruption can occur. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-122 vulnerability class, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in memory management operations. The issue is particularly concerning because it affects the foundational database connectivity layer of PHP applications, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to provide specially crafted inputs that will be processed by the mysqlnd extension during error handling scenarios. When the php_mysqlnd_read_error_from_line function encounters malformed error data from MySQL server responses, it performs calculations that result in a negative buffer length value. This negative value is then passed to memory allocation functions, leading to improper buffer sizing that can cause heap corruption. The vulnerability manifests when the extension attempts to read error information from MySQL server responses, particularly when dealing with malformed or unexpected error messages that contain negative length indicators. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that memory corruption can occur in the heap memory space, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions or manipulate heap metadata, which could lead to arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the PHP application context.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3063 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Applications using affected PHP versions that process user input through MySQL database connections become vulnerable to remote code execution attacks, particularly in web applications where user-supplied data is passed to database operations. The vulnerability affects a wide range of PHP applications including content management systems, web applications, and any software relying on MySQL database connectivity through the mysqlnd extension. Organizations running PHP 5.3.x versions between 5.3.0 and 5.3.2 are at risk, especially those with applications that handle untrusted input or connect to external MySQL servers that might return malformed error responses. The vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where PHP applications are configured with elevated privileges or where the application has access to sensitive data. Security researchers have noted that the exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced in environments where applications do not properly validate or sanitize database input, making it a critical concern for web application security. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling and input validation in database connectivity layers, as even error conditions should be treated as potential attack vectors. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability through PHP version updates, as the affected versions are no longer supported and contain multiple other security issues that compound the risk. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive memory safety testing in database driver implementations, particularly in the handling of error conditions and malformed data responses from database servers.