PHP: Arbitary code execution

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200608-28 / php
Release Date	August 29, 2006
Latest Revision	March 29, 2008: 05
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
dev-lang/php	< 5.1.4-r6	revision >= 4.4.3-r1, revision >= 4.4.4-r4, revision >= 4.4.6, revision >= 4.4.7, revision >= 4.4.8_pre20070816, >= 5.1.4-r6	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #143126

Synopsis

PHP contains a function that, when used, could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.

2. Impact Information

Background

PHP is a widely-used general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for Web development and can be embedded into HTML.

Description

The sscanf() PHP function contains an array boundary error that can be exploited to dereference a null pointer. This can possibly allow the bypass of the safe mode protection by executing arbitrary code.

Impact

A remote attacker might be able to exploit this vulnerability in PHP applications making use of the sscanf() function, potentially resulting in the execution of arbitrary code or the execution of scripted contents in the context of the affected site.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All PHP 4.x users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/php-4.4.3-r1"

All PHP 5.x users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.2: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=dev-lang/php-5.1.4-r6"

4. References

CVE-2006-4020

Updated August 29, 2006

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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