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CVE Record

CVE-2016-7398: A type confusion vulnerability in the merge_param() function of php_http_params.c in PHP's pecl-http extens...

A type confusion vulnerability in the merge_param() function of php_http_params.c in PHP's pecl-http extension 3.1.0beta2 (PHP 7) and earlier as well as 2.6.0beta2 (PHP 5) and earlier allows attackers to crash PHP and possibly execute arbitrary code via crafted HTTP requests.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This CVE affects PHP systems using the pecl-http extension. A crafted HTTP request can trigger a type confusion bug that may crash PHP and could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution. The source bundle does not provide a CVSS score or confirmed exploitation evidence.

Executive priority

Treat this as a priority for PHP estates using pecl-http, especially internet-facing services. Business risk is service interruption, with possible code execution noted by the CVE. Scope the extension first; systems without pecl-http are not indicated as exposed by the provided sources.

Technical view

The vulnerability is a type confusion flaw in merge_param() in php_http_params.c in PHP's pecl-http extension. The CVE description covers version 3.1.0beta2 and earlier for PHP 7, and 2.6.0beta2 and earlier for PHP 5. Impact is documented as PHP crash and possible arbitrary code execution.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to PHP applications where the pecl-http extension is installed and reachable HTTP request handling can exercise the vulnerable parameter parsing code. The structured affected-product data is incomplete, so inventory confirmation is necessary.

Exploitation context

The bundle does not show CISA KEV inclusion or any cited evidence of active exploitation. The documented attack path is crafted HTTP requests causing a crash and possibly code execution, but the sources provided do not establish exploit reliability or real-world use.

Researcher notes

The CVE record is sparse: severity, CVSS, CWE, and structured affected CPEs are absent. The strongest technical anchors are the PHP bug record, the upstream ext-http commit, and Debian LTS advisory. Avoid broad PHP conclusions unless pecl-http presence is verified.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory PHP deployments for the pecl-http extension and affected version ranges.
  • Apply available vendor or distribution php-pecl-http security updates.
  • For Debian LTS systems, review and apply DLA 1929-1 where applicable.
  • Disable pecl-http where it is not required by the application.
  • Check upstream ext-http guidance before relying on a specific fixed version.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm whether PHP 5 or PHP 7 hosts load pecl-http.
  • Compare installed pecl-http versions against the CVE-described affected beta ranges.
  • Review package manager records for php-pecl-http security updates.
  • Confirm internet-facing PHP services are covered first.
  • Track whether the upstream fix commit is present in locally built extension code.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

Public sources used

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

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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description · low confidence lookup

Execution behavior lookup

The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2016-7398 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
5Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.