CVE-2018-19784 in PHP-Proxy
Summary
by MITRE
The str_rot_pass function in vendor/atholn1600/php-proxy/src/helpers.php in PHP-Proxy 5.1.0 uses weak cryptography, which makes it easier for attackers to calculate the authorization data needed for local file inclusion.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19784 resides within the PHP-Proxy 5.1.0 web application framework, specifically in the str_rot_pass function located in vendor/atholn1600/php-proxy/src/helpers.php. This flaw represents a significant cryptographic weakness that directly impacts the security of authentication mechanisms within the application. The function employs weak encryption algorithms that fail to provide adequate protection for sensitive authorization data, creating exploitable conditions for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to local resources.
The technical implementation of the str_rot_pass function demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of cryptographic security requirements. Rather than implementing robust encryption standards, the function utilizes a simple rotation cipher approach that can be easily reversed through brute force or pattern analysis techniques. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to deduce the authorization tokens required for local file inclusion attacks, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and represents a classic example of insufficient entropy in cryptographic implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass to encompass potential remote code execution through local file inclusion vectors. Attackers can exploit the predictable encryption patterns to generate valid authorization tokens, enabling them to access sensitive files, execute arbitrary code, or manipulate the application's functionality. This weakness particularly affects web applications that rely on PHP-Proxy for content delivery or proxy functionality, where the compromised authentication mechanism could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers could leverage the local file inclusion capability to execute malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19784 require immediate attention through comprehensive code review and cryptographic implementation updates. Organizations should replace the vulnerable str_rot_pass function with industry-standard encryption algorithms such as AES-256 or other approved cryptographic methods that provide sufficient entropy and resistance to cryptanalysis. The fix should implement proper key derivation functions like PBKDF2 or bcrypt, ensuring that authorization data cannot be easily reversed or predicted. Additionally, security teams must conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other instances of weak cryptography within the application stack, as this vulnerability may indicate broader cryptographic implementation issues that require systematic remediation across the entire codebase.