External risk intelligence

ThinkPHP File Template RCE Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2025-63888

ThinkPHP is a widely used web application framework designed to power internet-facing web applications and APIs. Vulnerabilities in the template engine handling file operations are typically reachable through public-facing web requests, making common deployment patterns highly likely to be exposed to the internet.

Remote Code Execution

Thinkphp

5.0.24

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A critical vulnerability has been identified in the ThinkPHP web application framework, specifically within its file handling component. This flaw could allow unauthorized remote code execution, posing a significant risk to systems that use this technology. The primary concern is to confirm whether our organization utilizes this specific framework and version and to assess potential exposure.

  • Allows remote code execution on web servers.
  • Impacts widely used web application framework.
  • Confirm relevance and potential exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to a web application using a vulnerable version of ThinkPHP. This request targets the file reading functionality within the template driver, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server.

  • No authentication or user interaction required.
  • Triggered by sending a crafted request.
  • Allows remote code execution on the server.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code on a web server running a vulnerable version of ThinkPHP. This is possible when the `read` function in the template driver improperly handles file operations, potentially leading to the compromise of the server.

  • Arbitrary code execution on server.
  • Exploited via network requests.
  • Server compromise and data loss.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in ThinkPHP's template engine requires immediate attention from application owners and platform teams. The first practical step is to identify all instances of the affected ThinkPHP version, confirm their exposure and business criticality, and then coordinate remediation efforts with the relevant stakeholders.

  • Application owners must prioritize remediation.
  • Verify if the affected technology is reachable.
  • Plan and execute the remediation strategy.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is ThinkPHP and its role in web development?

ThinkPHP is an open-source PHP framework that provides a structured environment for developers to build dynamic web applications and APIs. By managing core tasks like routing and template rendering, it enables efficient application architecture. This vulnerability specifically affects the template driver component within version 5.0.24.

How does CWE-98 apply to this vulnerability?

CWE-98 involves improper control of file names or paths. In this case, the template driver fails to securely validate user-supplied input before executing file operations. This failure allows the application to be tricked into accessing or processing unintended files, which serves as the underlying mechanism for the remote code execution flaw.

Can this flaw be triggered if the system is not internet-facing?

The vulnerability is triggered by sending a crafted request to the template driver. While the flaw exists within the code logic itself, the scope of risk is significantly higher for applications exposed to the network. If an application is isolated from external traffic, the opportunity for an attacker to reach and interact with this file-reading function is substantially reduced.

Why is this vulnerability considered highly relevant?

According to the Halo Surface Signal, ThinkPHP is widely used for internet-facing applications and APIs. Because the template engine's file operations are typically reachable via standard web requests, common deployment patterns make it likely that affected systems are exposed to the public internet, increasing the necessity for prompt review.

How should teams respond to this vulnerability?

Teams should first create an inventory of all applications to identify if ThinkPHP 5.0.24 is deployed. Once identified, evaluate the business criticality and network exposure of these instances. Prioritize remediation for systems that are internet-facing or handle sensitive data by coordinating with application owners to apply the necessary framework updates or security controls.

References