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- Malware & exploits
PHP will ship an out-of-cycle security release at 14:00 UTC today, October 21, for two critical vulnerabilities that its security team has rated 9.2 on the CVSS v4.0 scale but has not described. Security researchers at watchTowr say the two flaws allow remote code execution. Only the four supported PHP branches, 8.2 through 8.5, can receive the fix, and no exploitation has been reported so far.
Keeping malware out
- Keep operating systems, browsers and plugins patched – most malware arrives through known holes.
- Block macros and scripts from the internet, and let only approved software run where you can.
- Watch endpoint alerts for new persistence: scheduled tasks, services and run keys.
More helpNCSC: mitigating malware and ransomware attacks (opens in a new tab)
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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