CVE-2014-1867 in suPHP
Summary
by MITRE
suPHP before 0.7.2 source-highlighting feature allows security bypass which could lead to arbitrary code execution
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2024
The suPHP vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1867 represents a critical security flaw in the suPHP web server module that enables attackers to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions of suPHP prior to 0.7.2 and stems from a flaw in the source-highlighting feature that is designed to display code files with syntax highlighting for debugging purposes. The vulnerability exploits a weakness in how the module handles file processing, creating an opportunity for unauthorized code execution that could compromise entire web server environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of file paths and execution contexts within the source-highlighting functionality. When the suPHP module processes files through its highlighting feature, it fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that control file access and execution flows. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that manipulate the module's internal file handling mechanisms, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries that separate user processes from system resources. The flaw operates at the intersection of privilege escalation and code execution, where the module's source-highlighting capability becomes a vector for unauthorized code injection.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to web hosting environments and server infrastructure that rely on suPHP for secure user process execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, compromising other hosted applications, or establishing persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual websites to potentially affect entire server environments, as the vulnerability allows for privilege escalation that could lead to complete system compromise. Organizations using affected versions of suPHP face significant exposure to unauthorized access and data breaches.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command, as it demonstrates how insufficient input sanitization can create pathways for command injection and privilege escalation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, representing a critical entry point for attackers seeking to establish persistent access and expand their operational capabilities within compromised environments. The vulnerability also intersects with T1566 Phishing and T1190 Exploitation of Remote Services, as attackers may exploit this weakness through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1867 primarily focus on immediate version updates to suPHP 0.7.2 or later, which contain patches addressing the source-highlighting implementation flaws. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions that limit access to the source-highlighting functionality and disable it entirely if not required for legitimate operations. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual file access patterns, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of web server configurations. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful testing of updated configurations to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while eliminating the security bypass opportunity that the vulnerability provides.