PHP2Shell — Critical Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Project: Online Food Ordering System
Reference: SourceCodester
Vulnerability Name: PHP2Shell
CVE IDs: CVE-2026–109618, CVE-2026–109619
Severity: Critical
CWE: Memory Corruption — exact CWE mapping requires confirmation against the applicable advisory
Affected Component: PHP Runtime
Affected URL: http://127.0.0.1/web/partials/footer.php

1. Description

PHP2Shell refers to two vulnerabilities involving memory corruption and improper handling of internal runtime state in PHP. Under certain conditions, these vulnerabilities may allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on a vulnerable server. Successful exploitation depends on the PHP build, runtime configuration, and application environment. An affected PHP version alone does not establish that a specific application is exploitable.

2. Impact

Successful exploitation may allow an attacker to execute commands with the privileges of the PHP process. Depending on server permissions, sensitive application files, database credentials, and customer information may become accessible. An attacker may also disrupt application availability or attempt to compromise connected services.

3. Affected Systems

• Application: Online Food Ordering System
• Source: SourceCodester
• Component: PHP Runtime
• Affected versions: Refer to the official PHP2Shell advisory and applicable vendor security notices.
• Verification required: Actual PHP version, vendor patch status, and runtime configuration.

The specific application URL and deployed PHP version must be recorded during assessment.

4. Proof of Concept (PoC)

The assessment should establish whether the deployed PHP runtime is affected and whether the vulnerability can be reproduced on the authorized target.

Get Hemant Raj Bhati’s stories in your inbox

Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.

Remember me for faster sign in

Screenshot 1: Application Identification

Screenshot 2: PHP Version Verification

Screenshot 3: Vulnerability Validation

5. Steps to Verify

1. Identify the PHP runtime used by the application.
2. Check the installed package against the official PHP2Shell security advisory.
3. Verify whether the vendor has applied a security patch or backported a fix.
4. Conduct authorized validation in a controlled environment.
5. Record the results and retain supporting screenshots.

6. Remediation

Upgrade the PHP runtime to an applicable security-fixed release or install the security update provided by the operating-system or hosting vendor. Restart the affected PHP services or workers as required and verify that the application uses the patched runtime. Review server and application logs for suspicious activity if exploitation is suspected.

7. Remediation Example

For an upstream PHP 8.4 installation, upgrade to PHP 8.4.27 or later, or install the applicable vendor-provided security-fixed package. Confirm the active runtime and patch status before closing the finding.

8. References

• CERT-In Advisory: CIAD-2026–0052
• CVE-2026–109618
• CVE-2026–109619

Final Assessment: The PHP2Shell vulnerabilities require investigation of the deployed PHP runtime. The finding should be marked confirmed only when the actual application environment and supporting evidence establish exposure.

Author

OSCP Certified Security Researcher: Hemant Raj Bhati
Category: Web Application Security