PHP Security Bypass and File Writing Vulnerability - Dec08

Summary
The host is running PHP and is prone to Security Bypass and File Writing vulnerability.
Impact
Successful exploitation could allow remote attackers to write arbitrary file, bypass security restrictions and cause directory traversal attacks. Impact Level: System/Application
Solution
Upgrade to version 5.2.7 or later http://www.php.net/downloads.php
Insight
The flaw is due to, - An error in initialization of 'page_uid' and 'page_gid' global variables for use by the SAPI 'php_getuid' function, which bypass the safe_mode restrictions. - When 'safe_mode' is enabled through a 'php_admin_flag' setting in 'httpd.conf' file, which does not enforce the 'error_log', 'safe_mode restrictions. - In 'ZipArchive::extractTo' function which allows attacker to write files via a ZIP file.
Affected
PHP versions prior to 5.2.7.
References