Cakephp
CVE-2026-23643
MEDIUM
GHSA-qh8m-9qxx-53m5
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A05:2025 - Injection
ASVS 5.0
V1 - Encoding and Sanitization Output encoding, context-aware escaping
MITRE ATT&CK
2 techniques across 2 tactics: Initial Access, Execution The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up. |
| Impact | CVSS 5.4 (MEDIUM). Attack vector: Network. Complexity: Low. Privileges required: None. User interaction: Required. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the affected system. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 12, 2026
CakePHP versions prior to 5.2.12 and 5.3.1 contain a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in the PaginatorHelper::limitControl() method that allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts through query string parameters. An attacker can exploit this to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability requires user interaction to trigger but affects all installations using the vulnerable PaginatorHelper component.
Earlier versions of this analysis (1)
CakePHP is a rapid development framework for PHP. The PaginatorHelper::limitControl() method has a cross-site-scripting vulnerability via query string parameter manipulation. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
RemediationAI
A vendor patch is available — apply it immediately. Fixed in version 5.2.12. Implement output encoding and Content Security Policy headers. Restrict network access to the affected service where possible.
Affected Packages
Source: OSV (Open Source Vulnerabilities)
Affects your stack
Affects 1 package in composer
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
Classified as CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting (XSS)). Affects the query string component of Cakephp. CakePHP is a rapid development framework for PHP. The PaginatorHelper::limitControl() method has a cross-site-scripting vulnerability via query string parameter manipulation. This issue has been fixed in 5.2.12 and 5.3.1.
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- Exploit and PoC references, threat intelligence from 22 sources
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Severity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N
Primary rating from GitHub Advisory · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorGitHub Advisory
Lifecycle Timeline
2DescriptionGitHub Advisory
CakePHP is a rapid development framework for PHP. The PaginatorHelper::limitControl() method has a cross-site-scripting vulnerability via query string parameter manipulation. This issue has been fixed in 5.2.12 and 5.3.1.
Executive ViewAI
Organizations using CakePHP should be aware of moderate risk from CVE-2026-23643, a cross-site scripting vulnerability rated CVSS 5.4. Attackers could inject scripts to steal sessions or perform actions as authenticated users. A patch is available and should be applied during regular vulnerability management.
Apply vendor patch. If patching is delayed: implement CSP headers, enable HttpOnly cookies, deploy WAF XSS rules.
Threat Intelligence Overview
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Affected Products (CPE)GitHub Advisory
The Xml class in CakePHP 2.1.x before 2.1.5 and 2.2.x before 2.2.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via X
The clientIp function in CakePHP 3.2.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to spoof their IP via the CLIENT-IP HTTP head
CakePHP 2.x and 3.x before 3.1.5 might allow remote attackers to bypass the CSRF protection mechanism via the _method pa
CakePHP is a development framework for PHP web apps. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely
SQL injection in the CakePHP PHP framework (versions prior to 4.5.12, 4.6.5, 5.1.9, 5.2.14, and 5.3.7) allows unauthenti
SQL injection in CakePHP 5.4.3 and earlier allows an attacker who can influence a collation name passed to the StringExp
SQL injection in CakePHP's database layer allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL when an application uses FunctionsBui
SQL injection in CakePHP through 5.4.3 allows an attacker who can influence window-function query parameters to inject S
Authentication bypass in the CakePHP Authentication plugin's CookieAuthenticator (versions before 2.11.2, 3.0.0-3.3.6, a
Email header injection in CakePHP's Mailer component allows CRLF sequences embedded in custom header values to split SMT
An issue was discovered in SmtpTransport in CakePHP 3.7.6. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotel
CRLF injection in CakePHP's multipart/MIME handling (FormDataPart and Mailer attachment code) through 5.4.3 lets an atta
Exploit-DB