critical CVSS 9.8

CVE-2026-25240·PHP vulnerability

PEAR is a framework and distribution system for reusable PHP components. Prior to version 1.33.0, a SQL injection vulnerability can occur in user::maintains() when role filters are provided as an array and interpolated into an IN (...) clause. 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 and the PEAR framework to version 1.33.0 or later to patch a critical SQL injection vulnerability in the user::maintains() function. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands through malformed role filter arrays. Apply this patch immediately as it affects all prior versions and carries a CVSS score of 9.8.

sudo dnf update php php-pear

Defensia detects this vulnerability

What an exploitation attempt looks like

Sample log line indicative of exploitation attempts:

POST|GET request to endpoints containing 'user' or 'maintains' with role parameter arrays; SQL error messages in response containing 'IN (...)', 'syntax error', or 'unexpected character' when role filters contain SQL metacharacters like quotes, parentheses, or SQL keywords (OR, UNION, SELECT)

WAF mitigation (if patching is not yet possible)

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

Block or sanitize requests where role filter parameters contain SQL metacharacters (single/double quotes, semicolons, parentheses, SQL keywords). Implement parameterized query rules and enforce strict input validation on array-type parameters before they reach database IN clauses.

How to check if you are affected

  1. Run 'php -v' to check the installed PHP version, then verify PEAR version with 'pear -v' to confirm if you are below 1.33.0
  2. Check if the PEAR pearweb component is installed by running 'pear list | grep -i pear' or examining your composer.lock/vendor files for pearweb dependencies
  3. Search application logs and web server access logs for SQL error messages or unusual IN clause patterns in query parameters, particularly those containing role filter arrays or user maintenance endpoints
  4. After patching, re-run 'pear -v' and 'php -v' to confirm versions match 1.33.0 or higher, then restart your web server with 'sudo systemctl restart apache2' or 'sudo systemctl restart php-fpm'

FAQ

What is CVE-2026-25240?

CVE-2026-25240 is a critical SQL injection flaw in PEAR's user::maintains() function that occurs when role filter parameters are passed as arrays and unsafely interpolated into SQL IN clauses, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary database queries without authentication.

Is CVE-2026-25240 being actively exploited?

No, this vulnerability is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits are available, though the critical CVSS score warrants immediate patching as a precaution.

What versions of PHP are affected by CVE-2026-25240?

All versions of PEAR prior to 1.33.0 are affected. The vulnerability impacts any installation using the pearweb component or PEAR framework versions below the patched release.

How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2026-25240?

Execute 'pear -v' to display your PEAR version; if the output shows a version earlier than 1.33.0, your system is vulnerable and requires immediate updating.

Does Defensia detect CVE-2026-25240?

Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If PHP and PEAR are installed on a monitored server, CVE-2026-25240 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.

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References

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