Webserver PHP XML-RPC Remote Code Injection

Pear XML_RPC versions <=1.3.0 and PHP XMLRPC versions <=1.0 are vulnerable to PHP remote code injection. The XML parser will pass user data contained within XML elements to PHP eval without sanitization.

Exploitation

Stages

1. The attacker sends XML data in HTTP POST to the server. The XML element contains PHP command injection.
2. The XML-RPC passes the XML element to PHP eval()--executing PHP code and providing the attacker with remote code execution.

Prerequisites

The attacker must be able to send crafted packets to the target system.

Alert Logic Coverage

Alert Logic® has evaluated its customer base for exposure to the exploit and has developed signatures for mitigating the threat depending on the security service in place.

The Network-Based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) has been updated with the new signatures for this exploit when detected via Alert Logic Threat Manager™. If this signature is detected, an incident is generated in the Alert Logic console.

Recommendations for Mitigation

Upgrade to a non-vulnerable version to mitigate this vulnerability.