CVE-2015-8980 in php-gettext
Summary
by MITRE
The plural form formula in ngettext family of calls in php-gettext before 1.0.12 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8980 resides within the php-gettext library version 1.0.11 and earlier, specifically affecting the ngettext family of functions that handle plural form formula processing. This flaw represents a critical code execution vulnerability that arises from improper input validation within the translation handling mechanisms of the library. The vulnerability manifests when applications using php-gettext process translation files containing specially crafted plural form formulas that are not properly sanitized before being evaluated. The issue stems from the library's failure to adequately validate or escape user-supplied input that gets processed through the gettext translation system, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of translation files or the injection of malicious data into the plural form processing logic. When php-gettext encounters a plural form formula, it processes this data without sufficient sanitization, allowing attackers to craft input that gets interpreted as executable code. This represents a classic code injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-94, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code due to insufficient input validation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through translation files that are commonly used in web applications, making it accessible to attackers who can influence the translation content or upload malicious translation data. The ngettext family of functions including ngettext, dngettext, and pgettext are all affected, as they all utilize the same vulnerable plural form processing mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications that support internationalization and localization features, as these applications often process translation files from external sources or allow user-generated content that could contain malicious payloads. The attack surface is broad since many content management systems, web applications, and software packages rely on php-gettext for translation handling, making this vulnerability potentially widespread across various software ecosystems.
The remediation approach for CVE-2015-8980 requires immediate upgrade to php-gettext version 1.0.12 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for plural form formulas. Organizations should also implement strict input validation measures for any translation files or user-supplied content that might be processed by gettext functions. Additional defensive measures include restricting file upload capabilities, implementing proper access controls for translation files, and monitoring for unusual patterns in translation processing. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, and potentially T1566 for initial access through malicious translation files. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be leveraged in broader attack campaigns targeting web applications that utilize internationalization features.