PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution - Nessus

High Plugin ID: 58988

This page contains detailed information about the PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution Nessus plugin including available exploits and PoCs found on GitHub, in Metasploit or Exploit-DB for verifying of this vulnerability.

Table Of Contents

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Plugin Overview
Vulnerability Information

Synopsis
Description
Solution

Public Exploits
Risk Information
Plugin Source
How to Run
References
Version

Plugin Overview

ID: 58988
Name: PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution
Filename: php_5_4_2.nasl
Vulnerability Published: 2012-05-03
This Plugin Published: 2012-05-04
Last Modification Time: 2022-04-11
Plugin Version: 1.26
Plugin Type: remote
Plugin Family: CGI abuses
Dependencies: php_version.nasl
Required KB Items [?]: www/PHP

Vulnerability Information

Severity: High
Vulnerability Published: 2012-05-03
Patch Published: 2012-05-03
CVE [?]: CVE-2012-1823
CPE [?]: cpe:/a:php:php
Exploited by Malware: True

Synopsis

The remote web server uses a version of PHP that is affected by a remote code execution vulnerability.

Description

According to its banner, the version of PHP installed on the remote host is earlier than 5.3.12 / 5.4.2, and as such is potentially affected by a remote code execution and information disclosure vulnerability.

An error in the file 'sapi/cgi/cgi_main.c' can allow a remote attacker to obtain PHP source code from the web server or to potentially execute arbitrary code. In vulnerable configurations, PHP treats certain query string parameters as command line arguments including switches such as '-s', '-d', and '-c'.

Note that this vulnerability is exploitable only when PHP is used in CGI-based configurations. Apache with 'mod_php' is not an exploitable configuration.

Solution

Upgrade to PHP version 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 or later. A 'mod_rewrite' workaround is available as well.

Public Exploits

Target Network Port(s): 80
Target Asset(s): Services/www
Exploit Available: True (Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB, GitHub, Immunity Canvas, Core Impact)
Exploit Ease: Exploits are available

Here's the list of publicly known exploits and PoCs for verifying the PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution vulnerability:

Metasploit: exploit/multi/http/php_cgi_arg_injection
[PHP CGI Argument Injection]
Exploit-DB: exploits/php/remote/18834.rb
[EDB-18834: PHP 5.3.12/5.4.2 - CGI Argument Injection (Metasploit)]
Exploit-DB: exploits/php/remote/18836.py
[EDB-18836: PHP < 5.3.12 / < 5.4.2 - CGI Argument Injection]
Exploit-DB: exploits/php/remote/25986.txt
[EDB-25986: Plesk < 9.5.4 - Remote Command Execution]
Exploit-DB: exploits/php/remote/29290.c
[EDB-29290: Apache + PHP < 5.3.12 / < 5.4.2 - cgi-bin Remote Code Execution]
GitHub: https://github.com/BitTheByte/Eagle
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/Jean-Francois-C/Boot2root-CTFs-Writeups
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/J-16/Pentester-Bootcamp
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/NCSU-DANCE-Research-Group/CDL
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/RootUp/AutoSploit
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/SexyBeast233/SecBooks
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/Unix13/metasploitable2
[CVE-2012-1823: PHP-CGI-REMOTE_CVE-2012-1823, UnrealIRCd, MySQL, PostgreSQL and SSH bruteforce, ...]
GitHub: https://github.com/alex14324/Eagel
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/cyberharsh/PHP_CVE-2012-1823
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/drone789/CVE-2012-1823
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/gamamaru6005/oscp_scripts-1
[CVE-2012-1823: First script, pgp-cgi-cve-2012-1823 BASH script]
GitHub: https://github.com/krishpranav/autosploit
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/marcocastro100/Intrusion_Detection_System-Python
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/panduki/SIE
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/psifertex/ctf-vs-the-real-world
[CVE-2012-1823]
GitHub: https://github.com/tardummy01/oscp_scripts-1
[CVE-2012-1823: First script, pgp-cgi-cve-2012-1823 BASH script]
GitHub: https://github.com/theGreenJedi/Hacker-Guides
[CVE-2012-1823]
Immunity Canvas: CANVAS

Before running any exploit against any system, make sure you are authorized by the owner of the target system(s) to perform such activity. In any other case, this would be considered as an illegal activity.

WARNING: Beware of using unverified exploits from sources such as GitHub or Exploit-DB. These exploits and PoCs could contain malware. For more information, see how to use exploits safely.

Risk Information

CVSS Score Source [?]: CVE-2012-1823
CVSS V2 Vector: AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P/E:H/RL:OF/RC:C

CVSS Base Score:	7.5 (High)
Impact Subscore:	6.4
Exploitability Subscore:	10.0
CVSS Temporal Score:	6.5 (Medium)
CVSS Environmental Score:	NA (None)
Modified Impact Subscore:	NA
Overall CVSS Score:	6.5 (Medium)

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Plugin Source

#%NASL_MIN_LEVEL 70300
#
# (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
#

include('deprecated_nasl_level.inc');
include('compat.inc');

if (description)
{
  script_id(58988);
  script_version("1.26");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_modification_date", value:"2022/04/11");

  script_cve_id("CVE-2012-1823");
  script_bugtraq_id(53388);
  script_xref(name:"CERT", value:"520827");
  script_xref(name:"CISA-KNOWN-EXPLOITED", value:"2022/04/15");

  script_name(english:"PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
"The remote web server uses a version of PHP that is affected by a
remote code execution vulnerability.");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
"According to its banner, the version of PHP installed on the remote
host is earlier than 5.3.12 / 5.4.2, and as such is potentially
affected by a remote code execution and information disclosure
vulnerability. 

An error in the file 'sapi/cgi/cgi_main.c' can allow a remote attacker
to obtain PHP source code from the web server or to potentially
execute arbitrary code.  In vulnerable configurations, PHP treats
certain query string parameters as command line arguments including
switches such as '-s', '-d', and '-c'. 

Note that this vulnerability is exploitable only when PHP is used in
CGI-based configurations.  Apache with 'mod_php' is not an exploitable
configuration.");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://eindbazen.net/2012/05/php-cgi-advisory-cve-2012-1823/");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://bugs.php.net/bug.php?id=61910");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.php.net/archive/2012.php#id2012-05-03-1");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.php.net/ChangeLog-5.php#5.3.12");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.php.net/ChangeLog-5.php#5.4.2");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
"Upgrade to PHP version 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 or later.  A 'mod_rewrite'
workaround is available as well.");
  script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P");
  script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:H/RL:OF/RC:C");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cvss_score_source", value:"CVE-2012-1823");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_framework_core", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploited_by_malware", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"metasploit_name", value:'PHP CGI Argument Injection');
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_framework_metasploit", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_framework_canvas", value:"true");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"canvas_package", value:"CANVAS");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2012/05/03");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2012/05/03");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2012/05/04");

  script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"remote");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/a:php:php");
  script_set_attribute(attribute:"thorough_tests", value:"true");
  script_end_attributes();

  script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
  script_family(english:"CGI abuses");

  script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2012-2022 Tenable Network Security, Inc.");

  script_dependencies("php_version.nasl");
  script_require_keys("www/PHP");
  script_require_ports("Services/www", 80);

  exit(0);
}

include("global_settings.inc");
include("audit.inc");
include("misc_func.inc");
include("http.inc");
include("webapp_func.inc");

port = get_http_port(default:80, php:TRUE);

php = get_php_from_kb(
  port : port,
  exit_on_fail : TRUE
);

version = php["ver"];
source = php["src"];

backported = get_kb_item('www/php/'+port+'/'+version+'/backported');

if (report_paranoia < 2 && backported)
  audit(AUDIT_BACKPORT_SERVICE, port, "PHP "+version+" install");

if (
  version =~ "^[0-4]\." ||
  version =~ "^5\.[0-2]($|[^0-9])" ||
  version =~ "^5\.3\.([0-9]|1[01])($|[^0-9])" ||
  version =~ "^5\.4\.[01]($|[^0-9])"
)
{
  if (report_verbosity > 0)
  {
    report =
      '\n  Version source     : '+source +
      '\n  Installed version  : '+version+
      '\n  Fixed version      : 5.3.12 / 5.4.2\n';
    security_hole(port:port, extra:report);
  }
  else security_hole(port);
  exit(0);
}
else audit(AUDIT_LISTEN_NOT_VULN, "PHP", port, version);

The latest version of this script can be found in these locations depending on your platform:

Linux / Unix:
/opt/nessus/lib/nessus/plugins/php_5_4_2.nasl
Windows:
C:\ProgramData\Tenable\Nessus\nessus\plugins\php_5_4_2.nasl
Mac OS X:
/Library/Nessus/run/lib/nessus/plugins/php_5_4_2.nasl

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How to Run

Here is how to run the PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution as a standalone plugin via the Nessus web user interface (https://localhost:8834/):

Click to start a New Scan.
Select Advanced Scan.
Navigate to the Plugins tab.
On the top right corner click to Disable All plugins.
On the left side table select CGI abuses plugin family.
On the right side table select PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution plugin ID 58988.
Specify the target on the Settings tab and click to Save the scan.
Run the scan.

Here are a few examples of how to run the plugin in the command line. Note that the examples below demonstrate the usage on the Linux / Unix platform.

Basic usage:

/opt/nessus/bin/nasl php_5_4_2.nasl -t <IP/HOST>

Run the plugin with audit trail message on the console:

/opt/nessus/bin/nasl -a php_5_4_2.nasl -t <IP/HOST>

Run the plugin with trace script execution written to the console (useful for debugging):

/opt/nessus/bin/nasl -T - php_5_4_2.nasl -t <IP/HOST>

Run the plugin with using a state file for the target and updating it (useful for running multiple plugins on the target):

/opt/nessus/bin/nasl -K /tmp/state php_5_4_2.nasl -t <IP/HOST>

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References

BID | SecurityFocus Bugtraq ID:

53388

CERT | Computer Emergency Response Team:

520827

See also:

Similar and related Nessus plugins:

69684 - Amazon Linux AMI : php (ALAS-2012-77)
59021 - CentOS 5 / 6 : php (CESA-2012:0546)
59058 - CentOS 5 : php53 (CESA-2012:0547)
59059 - Debian DSA-2465-1 : php5 - several vulnerabilities
59265 - Fedora 15 : maniadrive-1.2-32.fc15.5 / php-5.3.13-1.fc15 / php-eaccelerator-0.9.6.1-9.fc15.5 (2012-7567)
59266 - Fedora 16 : maniadrive-1.2-32.fc16.5 / php-5.3.13-1.fc16 / php-eaccelerator-0.9.6.1-9.fc16.5 (2012-7586)
59268 - Fedora 17 : maniadrive-1.2-40.fc17 / php-5.4.3-1.fc17 (2012-7628)
59084 - FreeBSD : php -- multiple vulnerabilities (59b68b1e-9c78-11e1-b5e0-000c299b62e1)
59009 - FreeBSD : php -- vulnerability in certain CGI-based setups (60de13d5-95f0-11e1-806a-001143cd36d8)
62236 - GLSA-201209-03 : PHP: Multiple vulnerabilities
59851 - HP System Management Homepage < 7.1.1 Multiple Vulnerabilities
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62215 - Mac OS X 10.8.x < 10.8.2 Multiple Vulnerabilities
62213 - Mac OS X Multiple Vulnerabilities (Security Update 2012-004) (BEAST)
59010 - Mandriva Linux Security Advisory : php (MDVSA-2012:068-1)
74616 - openSUSE Security Update : php5 (openSUSE-SU-2012:0590-1)
74630 - openSUSE Security Update : php5 (openSUSE-2012-288)
68524 - Oracle Linux 5 / 6 : php (ELSA-2012-0546)
68525 - Oracle Linux 5 : php53 (ELSA-2012-0547)
59088 - PHP PHP-CGI Query String Parameter Injection Arbitrary Code Execution
70728 - Apache PHP-CGI Remote Code Execution
66844 - Plesk Panel Apache Arbitrary PHP Code Injection
59030 - RHEL 5 / 6 : php (RHSA-2012:0546)
59031 - RHEL 5 : php53 (RHSA-2012:0547)
64035 - RHEL 5 / 6 : php (RHSA-2012:0568)
64036 - RHEL 5 : php53 (RHSA-2012:0569)
61311 - Scientific Linux Security Update : php53 on SL5.x i386/x86_64 (20120507)
61312 - Scientific Linux Security Update : php on SL5.x, SL6.x i386/x86_64 (20120507)
64099 - SuSE 11.1 Security Update : PHP5 (SAT Patch Number 6252)
64103 - SuSE 11.2 Security Update : PHP5 (SAT Patch Number 6251)
59053 - SuSE 10 Security Update : PHP5 (ZYPP Patch Number 8114)
59016 - Ubuntu 8.04 LTS / 10.04 LTS / 11.04 / 11.10 / 12.04 LTS : php5 vulnerability (USN-1437-1)

Version

This page has been produced using Nessus Professional 10.1.2 (#68) LINUX, Plugin set 202205072148.
Plugin file php_5_4_2.nasl version 1.26. For more plugins, visit the Nessus Plugin Library.

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PHP < 5.3.12 / 5.4.2 CGI Query String Code Execution - Nessus

Plugin Overview

Vulnerability Information

Synopsis

Description

Solution

Public Exploits

Risk Information

Plugin Source

How to Run

References

Version

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