High

Safe Mode Include Directory Bypass in PHP 4.3.x

IdentifiersCVE-2003-0863CWE-264

In PHP 4.3.x, the php_check_safe_mode_include_dir function in fopen_wrappers.c incorrectly returns a success value (0) when the safe_mode_include_dir configuration variable is not set. This behavior differs from previous versions, which returned a failure value, and can allow remote attackers to bypass safe_mode restrictions and exploit file include vulnerabilities in PHP applications.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Remote attackers may be able to include arbitrary files in PHP applications that rely on safe_mode restrictions, potentially leading to remote code execution, information disclosure, or other security breaches depending on the application's file inclusion logic.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

As an immediate mitigation, explicitly set the safe_mode_include_dir variable in the PHP configuration to a restrictive value. Additionally, avoid using file inclusion functions with user-supplied input and implement strict input validation and allowlisting for file paths.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade to a version of PHP where this behavior is corrected, or apply patches that restore the correct failure return value when safe_mode_include_dir is not set. Review and update application code to avoid reliance on safe_mode for security.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

No valid public exploits. Mallory filtered out 1 candidate as fakes, detection scripts, or README-only repos.

VALID 0 / 1 TOTALView more in app

All candidate exploits were filtered out by Mallory's validation.

EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType

PHP GroupPhpapplication

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

No public activity tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.

0 SOURCESView more in app

No public activity observed for this vulnerability.

What this page doesn’t show

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Exposure mapping

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Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity