critical CVSS 9.8

CVE-2026-25238·PHP vulnerability

PEAR is a framework and distribution system for reusable PHP components. Prior to version 1.33.0, a SQL injection vulnerability in bug subscription deletion may allow attackers to inject SQL via a crafted email value. This issue has been patched in version 1.33.0.

Severity
critical
Software
PHP
Fixed in
1.33.0
Published
2026-02-03

Affected versions

Until: 1.33.0

Fixed in: 1.33.0

How to fix this CVE

Update PHP to version 1.33.0 or later to patch a critical SQL injection vulnerability in PEAR's bug subscription deletion functionality. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through malformed email parameters, potentially compromising sensitive data or gaining unauthorized system access. Apply the patch immediately to all production PHP installations.

sudo dnf update php

Defensia detects this vulnerability

What an exploitation attempt looks like

Sample log line indicative of exploitation attempts:

POST|GET.*subscription.*email=['\"].*(?:UNION|SELECT|DROP|INSERT|UPDATE|DELETE|--|;|\x27|\x22)

WAF mitigation (if patching is not yet possible)

Add this rule to your WAF to block exploitation attempts while you schedule the patch. 

Implement WAF rules to block requests containing SQL metacharacters in email parameter values. Specifically, deny requests where the email query parameter contains sequences like UNION, SELECT, --, semicolons, or quote characters not properly URL-encoded. Use parameterized query inspection and validate email format strictly against RFC 5322 standards.

How to check if you are affected

  1. Run `php -v` to confirm the installed PHP version and check if it is below 1.33.0
  2. Execute `php -m | grep -i pear` to verify if PEAR framework is loaded in your PHP installation
  3. Search application logs for references to bug subscription or email parameter handling: `grep -r 'subscription\|bug.*email' /var/log/php*.log /var/log/apache2/ /var/log/nginx/`
  4. After patching, re-run `php -v` and verify the version has been updated to 1.33.0 or later

FAQ

What is CVE-2026-25238?

CVE-2026-25238 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability in PEAR's bug subscription deletion mechanism that permits attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands through email parameter manipulation, bypassing authentication requirements.

Is CVE-2026-25238 being actively exploited?

According to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities database, this vulnerability is not currently documented as actively exploited in the wild, though its critical severity warrants immediate patching as a precaution.

What versions of PHP are affected by CVE-2026-25238?

All PHP versions prior to 1.33.0 that include the vulnerable PEAR framework are affected. The exact earliest vulnerable version is not specified, but all instances should be upgraded to 1.33.0 or later.

How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2026-25238?

Run `php -v` to check your installed version. If the output shows a version below 1.33.0 and PEAR is enabled (`php -m | grep -i pear`), your system is vulnerable and requires immediate patching.

Does Defensia detect CVE-2026-25238?

Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If PHP is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2026-25238 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.

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References

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