CVE-2018-25270

CVE-2018-25270 is a remote code execution vulnerability in ThinkPHP version 5.0.23, a popular PHP framework. The flaw arises from the ability to invoke arbitrary functions through the routing parameter, enabling unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code. Specifically, attackers can craft malicious requests to the index.php endpoint with function parameters that trigger system command execution under the application's privileges. The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) and is associated with CWE-639 (Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key).

Any unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability without user interaction or privileges, as it requires low complexity and no special access. By sending a tailored HTTP request to the vulnerable index.php endpoint, the attacker can invoke dangerous PHP functions, leading to full remote code execution on the server. This grants high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, potentially allowing full server compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the environment.

Mitigation guidance and patches are referenced in official and third-party advisories, including the ThinkPHP framework GitHub repository at https://github.com/top-think/framework/, the official ThinkPHP site at https://thinkphp.cn, an Exploit-DB entry at https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/45978 detailing a proof-of-concept, and a VulnCheck advisory at https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/thinkphp-remote-code-execution-via-invokefunction. Practitioners should upgrade to a patched version of ThinkPHP beyond 5.0.23 and review routing configurations for exposed function invocation.

A public exploit is available on Exploit-DB, indicating potential for widespread abuse in unpatched installations, though no specific real-world campaigns are detailed in the provided information.