CVE-2012-10037 in PhpTax
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2025
PhpTax version 0.8 contains a remote code execution vulnerability in drawimage.php. The pfilez GET parameter is unsafely passed to the exec() function without sanitization. A remote attacker can inject arbitrary shell commands, leading to code execution under the web server's context. No authentication is required.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-10037 resides within PhpTax version 0.8, specifically in the drawimage.php component where a critical remote code execution flaw exists. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization practices that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary shell commands through the pfilez GET parameter. The absence of any input sanitization mechanisms creates an exploitable path where user-supplied data directly flows into the exec() function, which is a dangerous practice that violates fundamental security principles. The vulnerability operates entirely within the HTTP protocol context without requiring any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected web application. This type of vulnerability represents a classic example of unsafe command execution where user-controllable parameters are directly incorporated into system commands without proper validation or encoding.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The pfilez parameter in drawimage.php accepts user input and passes it directly to the exec() function without any sanitization or filtering mechanisms. This creates an environment where an attacker can inject malicious shell commands that will be executed with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, potentially leading to full system compromise. The lack of authentication requirements means that exploitation can occur from any remote location, making this vulnerability extremely dangerous in production environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server and potentially the entire underlying infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute commands such as creating new user accounts, modifying system files, accessing databases, or even establishing backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, as it allows unauthorized access to system resources and can be used to perform destructive operations. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or when the web server runs with elevated privileges, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-10037 must focus on immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters before they are used in system command execution. This includes using parameterized commands, input filtering, and escaping mechanisms to prevent command injection attacks. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit exposure, although in this case, the vulnerability exists regardless of authentication status. The remediation process should include updating to a patched version of PhpTax, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all applications to identify similar command execution vulnerabilities. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for suspicious command executions and implement proper logging and alerting mechanisms to detect exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical target for both preventive and detective security controls.