CVE-2013-10070 in PHP-Charts
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2025
PHP-Charts v1.0 contains a PHP code execution vulnerability in wizard/url.php, where user-supplied GET parameter names are passed directly to eval() without sanitization. A remote attacker can exploit this flaw by crafting a request that injects arbitrary PHP code, resulting in command execution under the web server's context. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute system-level commands via base64-encoded payloads embedded in parameter names, leading to full compromise of the host system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-10070 resides within PHP-Charts version 1.0, specifically in the wizard/url.php component where inadequate input validation creates a critical security flaw. This issue represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within a server-side scripting environment. The flaw manifests when the application accepts GET parameters containing user-provided data and directly passes these values to the eval() function without any sanitization or validation measures. This design pattern creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary PHP code through crafted HTTP requests, effectively bypassing normal application security controls and gaining unauthorized access to the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented attack pattern that aligns with CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code or commands due to insufficient input validation. When an attacker constructs a malicious request with specially crafted parameter names containing base64-encoded payloads, the application processes these inputs without proper sanitization, allowing the eval() function to execute the injected code within the web server's execution context. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and represents a severe privilege escalation issue since the executed code runs with the same privileges as the web server process, typically with elevated system permissions. The attack vector requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any remote user who can access the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, creating a comprehensive compromise scenario that aligns with multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute system-level commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The base64 encoding used in the payloads suggests the attacker is attempting to obfuscate the malicious content to evade basic detection mechanisms, though this obfuscation is easily bypassed by security monitoring systems. The vulnerability affects the entire host system because the web server process typically operates with elevated privileges, allowing the attacker to potentially access sensitive files, modify application behavior, or establish further attack vectors within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-10070 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture of the affected system. The primary remediation involves removing or properly sanitizing all user inputs before processing them within eval() functions, implementing proper input validation, and eliminating the use of eval() for dynamic code execution in production environments. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, implement proper access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable components, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, the affected PHP-Charts version should be updated to a patched release or replaced with a more secure alternative, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental design flaw that cannot be adequately protected against through network-level controls alone. The remediation process must also include comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect exploitation attempts, as well as regular security training for developers to prevent similar issues in future code implementations.