CVE-2003-1307
Description
The mod_php module for the Apache HTTP Server allows local users with write access to PHP scripts to send signals to the server's process group and use the server's file descriptors, as demonstrated by sending a STOP signal, then intercepting incoming connections on the server's TCP port. NOTE: the PHP developer has disputed this vulnerability, saying "The opened file descriptors are opened by Apache. It is the job of Apache to protect them ... Not a bug in PHP.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Affected products
23cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*+ 22 more
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.28:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.28:beta:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.28:beta:win32:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.32:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.32:beta:win32:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.34:beta:win32:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.35:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.36:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.37:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.38:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.39:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.40:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.41:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.42:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.43:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.44:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.45:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.46:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.46:*:win32:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.47:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.48:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
- cpe:2.3:a:apache:http_server:2.0.9:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Patches
Vulnerability mechanics
Root cause
"The mod_php module for Apache allows local users with write access to PHP scripts to gain access to privileged file descriptors."
Attack vector
A local attacker with write access to PHP scripts can exploit this vulnerability. The attacker can send signals to the server's process group and subsequently use the server's file descriptors. This allows them to intercept incoming connections on the server's TCP port, potentially posing as a legitimate server to steal or manipulate sensitive information [ref_id=1].
Affected code
The vulnerability is related to the mod_php module for the Apache HTTP Server. The provided exploit code demonstrates a technique where a child process is forked to become a session leader, detach from the parent Apache process, and then utilize file descriptor 4, which is reportedly used for listening on TCP ports [ref_id=1].
What the fix does
The advisory does not specify a patch or remediation steps. The PHP developer has disputed this vulnerability, stating that the opened file descriptors are managed by Apache and it is Apache's responsibility to protect them, not a bug in PHP.
Preconditions
- authLocal user with write access to PHP scripts.
Generated on Jun 2, 2026. Inputs: CWE entries + fix-commit diffs from this CVE's patches. Citations validated against bundle.
References
6- bugs.php.net/38915nvdExploit
- hackerdom.ru/~dimmo/phpexpl.cnvdExploit
- www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/348368nvdExploitVendor Advisory
- www.securityfocus.com/bid/9302nvdExploit
- www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/449234/100/0/threadednvd
- www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/449298/100/0/threadednvd
News mentions
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