PHP Versions with Security Vulnerabilities: Risk Overview and Mitigation Tips

PHP is one of the most widely used server-side programming languages for developing dynamic websites and applications. Like all software, PHP has gone through multiple versions over time—some of which contain critical security vulnerabilities. In this article, we’ll explore which PHP versions are considered risky, highlight known threats, and explain why using an up-to-date version is essential for your web application’s safety.

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Why Are Older PHP Versions Dangerous?​

Every PHP version has a specific support lifecycle. Once that period ends, the version stops receiving security patches and updates, leaving it vulnerable to exploitation.
Systems running outdated PHP versions are susceptible to:

• Remote code execution (RCE)
• Web shells and file uploads
• SQL injection and XSS
• DDoS attacks and brute-force attempts

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PHP Versions with Known Vulnerabilities​

Below is a list of unsupported and vulnerable PHP versions that should be avoided in any production environment:

Note: Many legacy applications still rely on PHP 5.x or early PHP 7.x. Running these versions today is a major security risk.

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Examples of Real Vulnerabilities​

• CVE-2019-11043 (PHP-FPM RCE)
  Affects PHP 7.1 to 7.3 and allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via specially crafted requests on Nginx + PHP-FPM configurations.
• CVE-2018-14883
  A deserialization flaw that can lead to object injection and remote access in PHP 5.6 and 7.0.
• CVE-2020-7064
  A vulnerability in PHP 7.3/7.4 related to session handling logic.

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Recommended Actions​

1. Always Use a Supported Version
   PHP 8.2 or later is actively maintained and offers enhanced performance and modern security features.
2. Keep Your CMS and Plugins Updated
   Platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Laravel rely on compatible PHP versions. Outdated plugins may reintroduce vulnerabilities.
3. Harden Your php.ini Settings
   Disable risky functions and features:
   ini
   
   Kod:

   expose_php = Off 
   display_errors = Off 
   disable_functions = exec, shell_exec, system, passthru

4. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
   Solutions like ModSecurity help block known attack vectors targeting PHP-based applications.
5. Enable Server Monitoring and Logging
   Monitor logs for suspicious activity, like unusual POST requests or strange user agents targeting .php endpoints.

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PHP Lifecycle and Support​

You can find PHP's official supported versions and lifecycles at:
https://www.php.net/supported-versions.php

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