Gentoo security alert: PHP setting leaks from .htaccess files on virtual hosts

Posted by dave on Feb 6, 2004 4:02 PM EDT
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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. This may lead to leaks of global variables.

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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 200402-01 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ http://security.gentoo.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Severity: Normal ~ Title: PHP setting leaks from .htaccess files on virtual hosts ~ Date: February 07, 2004 ~ Bugs: #39952 ~ ID: 200402-01

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Synopsis ========

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. This may lead to leaks of global variables.

Background ==========

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

Description ===========

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, an attacker 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.

Resolution ==========

All users are recommended to upgrade their mod_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"

Concerns? =========

Security is a primary focus of Gentoo Linux and ensuring the confidentiality and security of our users machines is of utmost importance to us. Any security concerns should be addressed to [E-mail:security@gentoo.org] or alternatively, you may file a bug at http://bugs.gentoo.org.

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