What is the CVSS score of CVE-2012-1823?

CVE-2012-1823 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 (Critical). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 94.4%.

Is there a public PoC exploit available for CVE-2012-1823?

Yes, a public proof-of-concept exploit is available for CVE-2012-1823. Prioritise patching immediately. EPSS: 94.4%.

Is there a patch available for CVE-2012-1823?

Yes, a patch is available for CVE-2012-1823. Update the affected software to the latest version immediately.

PHP CVE-2012-1823

CRITICAL

Command Injection (CWE-77)

2012-05-11 cret@cert.org

Command Injection PHP RCE

9.8

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

9.8 CRITICAL

AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

Low

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Lifecycle Timeline

Added to CISA KEV

Apr 21, 2026 - 15:31 CISA

CVE Published

May 11, 2012 - 10:15 cve.org

CRITICAL 9.8

DescriptionCVE.org

sapi/cgi/cgi_main.c in PHP before 5.3.12 and 5.4.x before 5.4.2, when configured as a CGI script (aka php-cgi), does not properly handle query strings that lack an = (equals sign) character, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by placing command-line options in the query string, related to lack of skipping a certain php_getopt for the 'd' case.

AnalysisAI

sapi/cgi/cgi_main.c in PHP before 5.3.12 and 5.4.x before 5.4.2, when configured as a CGI script (aka php-cgi), does not properly handle query strings that lack an = (equals sign) character, which. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Actively exploited in the wild (cisa kev) and public exploit code available.

Technical ContextAI

This vulnerability is classified as Command Injection (CWE-77), which allows attackers to inject arbitrary commands into system command execution. sapi/cgi/cgi_main.c in PHP before 5.3.12 and 5.4.x before 5.4.2, when configured as a CGI script (aka php-cgi), does not properly handle query strings that lack an = (equals sign) character, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by placing command-line options in the query string, related to lack of skipping a certain php_getopt for the 'd' case. Affected products include: Php, Fedoraproject Fedora, Debian Debian Linux, Hp Hp-Ux, Opensuse. Version information: before 5.3.12.

RemediationAI

A vendor patch is available. Apply the latest security update as soon as possible. Use parameterized APIs, avoid shell execution, validate input with strict allowlists.