Vulnerability Assessment & Network Security Forums

If through a vulnerability assessment, a network security issue is detected for the vulnerability below, applying the appropriate security patches in a timely matter is very important. If you have detected that your system has already been compromised, following CERT's Network Security recovery document will assist with recommended steps for system recovery.

Home >> Browse Vulnerability Assessment Database >> Gentoo Local Security Checks >> [GLSA-200402-01] PHP setting leaks from .htaccess files on virtual hosts

Vulnerability Assessment Details

[GLSA-200402-01] PHP setting leaks from .htaccess files on virtual hosts

Vulnerability Assessment Summary
PHP setting leaks from .htaccess files on virtual hosts

Detailed Explanation for this Vulnerability Assessment
The remote host is affected by the vulnerability described in GLSA-200402-01
(PHP setting leaks from .htaccess files on virtual hosts)

If the server configuration "php.ini" file has
"register_globals = on" and a request is made to one virtual host
(which has "php_admin_flag register_globals off") and the next
request is sent to the another virtual host (which does not have the
setting) through the same apache child, the setting will persist.

Impact

Depending on the server and site, a possible hacker may be able to exploit
global variables to gain access to reserved areas, such as MySQL passwords,
or this vulnerability may simply cause a lack of functionality. As a
result, users are urged to upgrade their PHP installations.
Gentoo ships PHP with "register_globals" set to "off"
by default.
This issue affects both servers running Apache 1.x and servers running
Apache 2.x.

Workaround

No immediate workaround is available
a software upgrade is required.

References:
http://bugs.php.net/bug.php?id=25753

Solution:
All users are recommended to upgrade their PHP installation to 4.3.4-r4:
# emerge sync
# emerge -pv ">=dev-php/mod_php-4.3.4-r4"
# emerge ">=dev-php/mod_php-4.3.4-r4"

Network Security Threat Level: Medium

Networks Security ID:

Vulnerability Assessment Copyright: (C) 2005 Michel Arboi

Cables, Connectors