high CVSS 8.1

CVE-2024-11235·PHP vulnerability

In PHP versions 8.3.* before 8.3.19 and 8.4.* before 8.4.5, a code sequence involving __set handler or ??=  operator and exceptions can lead to a use-after-free vulnerability. If the third party can control the memory layout leading to this, for example by supplying specially crafted inputs to the script, it could lead to remote code execution.

Severity
high
Software
PHP
Fixed in
8.4.5
Published
2025-04-04

Affected versions

From: 8.4.0

Until: 8.4.5

Fixed in: 8.4.5

How to fix this CVE

Update PHP to version 8.4.5 or later to patch a use-after-free vulnerability that can be triggered through specific code patterns involving the __set handler or null coalescing assignment operator. This vulnerability requires precise memory manipulation but could allow remote code execution if an attacker can control inputs to a vulnerable script. Apply the update immediately to all production PHP installations.

sudo dnf update php

Defensia detects this vulnerability

How to check if you are affected

  1. Check the installed PHP version by running: php -v
  2. Verify the version is 8.4.0 through 8.4.4 (vulnerable range), or 8.3.0-8.3.18 for the older branch
  3. Search application logs for segmentation faults or memory-related errors coinciding with unusual request patterns, particularly those involving object property assignments or null coalescing operations
  4. After patching, re-run php -v to confirm the version is now 8.4.5 or 8.3.19+ and restart PHP-FPM or the web server with: sudo systemctl restart php-fpm or sudo systemctl restart apache2

FAQ

What is CVE-2024-11235?

This vulnerability is a use-after-free condition in PHP's memory management that occurs when certain code sequences combine the __set magic method or the null coalescing assignment operator (??=) with exception handling. Attackers could potentially achieve remote code execution by controlling the memory layout through crafted inputs.

Is CVE-2024-11235 being actively exploited?

No, CVE-2024-11235 is not listed as actively exploited by CISA, and no public exploit code is currently available. However, the high CVSS score (8.1) warrants prompt patching as a precaution.

What versions of PHP are affected by CVE-2024-11235?

PHP 8.4.0 through 8.4.4 are affected, as well as PHP 8.3.0 through 8.3.18. The vulnerability is fixed in PHP 8.4.5 and 8.3.19 respectively.

How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-11235?

Run php -v to display your installed version. If it shows 8.4.0–8.4.4 or 8.3.0–8.3.18, your server is vulnerable and requires an immediate update.

Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-11235?

Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If PHP is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2024-11235 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.

Related PHP CVEs

CVE-2024-5932CVSS 10The GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 3.14.1 via deserialization of untrusted input from the 'give_title' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject a PHP Object. The additional presence of a POP chain allows attackers to execute code remotely, and to delete arbitrary files.
CVE-2026-39337CVSS 10ChurchCRM is an open-source church management system. Prior to 7.1.0, critical pre-authentication remote code execution vulnerability in ChurchCRM's setup wizard allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code during the initial installation process, leading to complete server compromise. The "$dbPassword" variable is not sanitized. This vulnerability exists due to an incomplete fix for CVE-2025-62521. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.1.0.
CVE-2025-62521CVSS 10ChurchCRM is an open-source church management system. Prior to version 5.21.0, a pre-authentication remote code execution vulnerability in ChurchCRM's setup wizard allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary PHP code during the initial installation process, leading to complete server compromise. The vulnerability exists in `setup/routes/setup.php` where user input from the setup form is directly concatenated into a PHP configuration template without any validation or sanitization. Any parameter in the setup form can be used to inject PHP code that gets written to `Include/Config.php`, which is then executed on every page load. This is more severe than typical authenticated RCE vulnerabilities because it requires no credentials and affects the installation process that administrators must complete. Version 5.21.0 patches the issue.
CVE-2025-25174CVSS 10Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in beeteam368 BeeTeam368 Extensions beeteam368-extensions allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects BeeTeam368 Extensions: from n/a through <= 1.9.4.
CVE-2026-28289CVSS 10FreeScout is a free help desk and shared inbox built with PHP's Laravel framework. A patch bypass vulnerability for CVE-2026-27636 in FreeScout 1.8.206 and earlier allows any authenticated user with file upload permissions to achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the server by uploading a malicious .htaccess file using a zero-width space character prefix to bypass the security check. The vulnerability exists in the sanitizeUploadedFileName() function in app/Http/Helper.php. The function contains a Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) flaw where the dot-prefix check occurs before sanitization removes invisible characters. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.8.207.

References

Track CVEs across your fleet automatically

Defensia scans your Linux servers and tells you exactly which ones are running vulnerable versions — including CVE-2024-11235. Free for 1 server.

Get started free