CVE-2012-1823
n/a n/a
Summary
sapi/cgi/cgi_main.c in PHP before 5.3.12 and 5.4.x before 5.4.2, when configured as a CGI script (aka php-cgi), does not properly handle query strings that lack an = (equals sign) character, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitra…
Published: 2012-05-11
Analysis
🟠 High — imminent exploitation
Weakness: Command Injection (CWE-77). Runs commands via unsanitized input.
How it's exploited: Exploitable over the network (internet-reachable), unauthenticated, no user interaction, and with low complexity.
⚠️ Critical combo: remote, unauthenticated and no interaction → trivial to automate.
Impact: Full compromise (confidentiality, integrity and availability).
Status: Exploit probability (EPSS, 30 days): 100% — high.
- Apply the vendor patch according to risk priority.
- Reduce exposure: keep it off the internet; firewall, VPN or network segmentation.
- Detect: turn this CVE into detection rules.
MITRE ATT&CK technique: T1190 · Exploit Public-Facing Application · T1059 · Command and Scripting Interpreter
Practice it in the arsenal: WAF Bypass · PowerShell Decoder · Reverse Shells
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
The vector encodes how it's exploited (translated above, in the analysis). Break it down in the CVSS tool →
Sources: CISA KEV · EPSS · FIRST.org · NVD. Analysis derived from the CVSS vector and exploitation status (no AI). Informational; always verify against the vendor's official advisory.