CVE-2008-5625: PHP 5 before 5.2.7 does not enforce the error_log safe_mode restrictions when safe_mode is enabled through...

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2008-5625 is an old PHP safe_mode bypass. On PHP 5 before 5.2.7, a hosting configuration intended to restrict error log file writes could be bypassed in some Apache .htaccess scenarios, allowing arbitrary file writes depending on permissions and server setup. Exposure is most plausible on legacy PHP 5 before 5.2.7, Apache deployments using .htaccess, and environments relying on safe_mode via php_admin_flag. Modern status is not proven by the bundle; verify installed PHP versions and legacy hosted applications. Treat this as a legacy exposure cleanup item unless old PHP hosting remains in production. It is not KEV-listed in the bundle, but arbitrary file write risk justifies prompt remediation where PHP 5-era systems still exist. Mitigation focus: Upgrade PHP to a version containing the 5.2.7 fix or later vendor-supported packages.; Review vendor advisories for distribution-specific patched PHP packages.; Identify and retire legacy PHP 5 deployments where feasible..

Prepared

Jun 28, 2026, 11:41 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.