CVE-2018-25270 in ThinkPHP
Summary
by MITRE • 04/22/2026
ThinkPHP 5.0.23 contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by invoking functions through the routing parameter. Attackers can craft requests to the index.php endpoint with malicious function parameters to execute system commands with application privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
ThinkPHP 5.0.23 suffers from a critical remote code execution vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation within the routing parameter processing mechanism. This vulnerability operates through the application's core routing system where user-supplied parameters are directly interpreted without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface that allows unauthenticated remote exploitation. The flaw manifests when attackers construct malicious requests targeting the index.php endpoint, specifically manipulating the routing parameters to invoke arbitrary PHP functions. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents an unauthenticated remote code execution vector through a publicly accessible web application interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the framework's weak parameter handling within the routing subsystem, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before processing it as executable code. When malicious parameters are passed through the routing mechanism, the framework interprets these inputs as function calls rather than simple data, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary PHP functions with the privileges of the web application process. This creates a direct path for command execution at the system level, as the application's execution context inherits the permissions of the web server process. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by any remote attacker with access to the affected application's network interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when attackers gain access to the application's execution context. Since the malicious code executes with application privileges, attackers can potentially access sensitive data, modify application files, establish persistence mechanisms, and escalate their access to other system resources. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations running affected ThinkPHP applications face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise, particularly in environments where the web application has elevated system privileges or access to sensitive databases and internal resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the ThinkPHP framework to version 5.0.24 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly sanitize routing parameters and prevent arbitrary function execution. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions such as firewalls and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious requests containing unusual parameter patterns or function calls should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected applications and ensure proper input validation across all web applications. The remediation process should also include reviewing application logs for any signs of exploitation attempts and implementing proper application security controls such as web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers against similar vulnerabilities.