- Published
- Source
- Help Net Security
- Filed under
- Malware & exploits
- Vulnerabilities
- 2 CVEs
Searchlight Cyber released php2shell-scanner, an open-source tool that tests whether a host is exposed to CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619, the pair of PHP remote code execution bugs patched on October 21. PHP2Shell lets an attacker reach pre-auth RCE against PHP applications running on Apache mod_php or PHP-FPM under default configurations, with confirmed exploitation on widely deployed software including WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, phpMyAdmin, Nextcloud, and Magento. If you run PHP behind a web server, you need to … More →…
If you run the affected product
- Find every instance – especially the ones reachable from the internet.
- Apply the vendor's patch or mitigation now: exploited flaws are fixed in days, not at the next patch cycle.
- Then check for signs it was used before you patched: web shells, new accounts, unusual outbound traffic.
More helpCISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue (opens in a new tab)
The vulnerabilities in this story
CVE-2026-109618 in the NVD (opens in a new tab)
- CVSS9.8Critical
- CISA KEVNot listedno confirmed exploitation on CISA’s list (yet)
CVE-2026-109619 in the NVD (opens in a new tab)
- CVSS9.8Critical
- CISA KEVNot listedno confirmed exploitation on CISA’s list (yet)
Exploited vulnerabilities: CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog (CC0). Exploit prediction: EPSS by FIRST. This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD.
Defender’s notebook
The attacker technique behind this story, in MITRE’s terms – and what to check in your own estate.
Exploit Public-Facing Application
Initial AccessWhat a defender checks
- Find every internet-facing instance of the affected product.
- Patch, or apply the vendor's mitigation now – CISA's KEV list gives a deadline.
- Look for signs it was exploited before you patched: web shells, new accounts, odd outbound traffic.
Build the skillBlue Team Analyst · Vulnerability Management
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