Argument Injection in PHP-CGI (CVE-2024-4577)
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-4577) affects PHP-CGI on Windows when used with Apache and certain code pages. In PHP versions 8.1.* before 8.1.29, 8.2.* before 8.2.20, and 8.3.* before 8.3.8, Windows may apply "Best-Fit" character replacement in command-line arguments, causing PHP-CGI to misinterpret these as PHP options. This can allow attackers to pass malicious options to the PHP binary, potentially exposing source code or enabling arbitrary code execution.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-4577 is an argument injection vulnerability in the PHP-CGI module on Windows platforms using Apache and specific code pages. Due to Windows' "Best-Fit" character replacement behavior in command-line arguments, PHP-CGI may incorrectly parse these characters as PHP options. This flaw exists in PHP versions prior to 8.1.29 for 8.1.*, prior to 8.2.20 for 8.2.*, and prior to 8.3.8 for 8.3.*, allowing attackers to pass crafted options to the PHP binary. Exploitation can lead to disclosure of PHP source code or execution of arbitrary PHP code on the server.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized disclosure of PHP source code and execution of arbitrary PHP code on affected servers running vulnerable PHP-CGI versions on Windows with Apache. This can compromise server confidentiality and integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available and should be applied to update PHP to versions 8.1.29 or later, 8.2.20 or later, or 8.3.8 or later. Users should follow official PHP release notes and upgrade accordingly. No additional mitigations are specified in the advisory.
Argument Injection in PHP-CGI (CVE-2024-4577)
Description
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-4577) affects PHP-CGI on Windows when used with Apache and certain code pages. In PHP versions 8.1.* before 8.1.29, 8.2.* before 8.2.20, and 8.3.* before 8.3.8, Windows may apply "Best-Fit" character replacement in command-line arguments, causing PHP-CGI to misinterpret these as PHP options. This can allow attackers to pass malicious options to the PHP binary, potentially exposing source code or enabling arbitrary code execution.
Affected software
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-4577 is an argument injection vulnerability in the PHP-CGI module on Windows platforms using Apache and specific code pages. Due to Windows' "Best-Fit" character replacement behavior in command-line arguments, PHP-CGI may incorrectly parse these characters as PHP options. This flaw exists in PHP versions prior to 8.1.29 for 8.1.*, prior to 8.2.20 for 8.2.*, and prior to 8.3.8 for 8.3.*, allowing attackers to pass crafted options to the PHP binary. Exploitation can lead to disclosure of PHP source code or execution of arbitrary PHP code on the server.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized disclosure of PHP source code and execution of arbitrary PHP code on affected servers running vulnerable PHP-CGI versions on Windows with Apache. This can compromise server confidentiality and integrity.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available and should be applied to update PHP to versions 8.1.29 or later, 8.2.20 or later, or 8.3.8 or later. Users should follow official PHP release notes and upgrade accordingly. No additional mitigations are specified in the advisory.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BIT-php-2024-4577
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.5.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2024-4577"]
- Ecosystems
- ["Bitnami"]
- Database Specific Severity
- Critical
Patch Information
Threat ID: 6aa005deacd9273b49ab6070
Added to database: 09/08/2026, 12:55:58 UTC
Last enriched: 09/08/2026, 13:27:51 UTC
Last updated: 09/10/2026, 19:36:48 UTC
Views: 3
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.