CVE-2015-10141 in Xdebug
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2025
An unauthenticated OS command injection vulnerability exists within Xdebug versions 2.5.5 and earlier, a PHP debugging extension developed by Derick Rethans. When remote debugging is enabled, Xdebug listens on port 9000 and accepts debugger protocol commands without authentication. An attacker can send a crafted eval command over this interface to execute arbitrary PHP code, which may invoke system-level functions such as system() or passthru(). This results in full compromise of the host under the privileges of the web server user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2015-10141 represents a critical unauthenticated operating system command injection flaw within the Xdebug PHP debugging extension, affecting versions 2.5.5 and earlier. This security weakness stems from the extension's design to listen on port 9000 for remote debugging connections without implementing proper authentication mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to exploit the debugger protocol interface directly, bypassing normal access controls that should protect such sensitive debugging functionality. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the intersection of PHP application execution and underlying operating system commands, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Xdebug extension's acceptance of debugger protocol commands through its default listening port without requiring authentication. When remote debugging is enabled, the extension creates an attack surface that accepts commands from any network source without verifying the identity or authorization of the requesting party. The specific exploit vector involves crafting a malicious eval command that can be sent over the network to the Xdebug listener, which then executes this code within the PHP context. This execution context can leverage PHP functions like system(), passthru(), or exec() to invoke operating system commands directly, effectively allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the host system with the privileges of the web server user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it enables full system compromise when attackers can leverage the web server's privileges. The compromised host becomes vulnerable to complete takeover, with attackers able to access sensitive data, install backdoors, modify system files, or use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects the debugging extension itself, which is often enabled in production environments for troubleshooting purposes, making the attack surface more prevalent than initially anticipated. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a classic example of command injection vulnerabilities that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-10141 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to Xdebug version 2.5.6 or later, where the authentication vulnerability has been addressed through proper access controls. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to port 9000, ensuring that only trusted sources can reach the debugging interface. Additional protective measures include disabling remote debugging in production environments, implementing proper firewall rules to block external access to the debugging port, and using network monitoring to detect unusual activity on port 9000. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication and privilege escalation, making it a critical target for defensive measures including network detection and response capabilities. The vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of principle of least privilege, as the web server should not have unnecessary access to system-level commands that could be exploited for full system compromise.