CVE-2025-63888: ThinkPHP 5.0.24 RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-63888 Overview

CVE-2025-63888 is a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting the read function in the file thinkphp\library\think\template\driver\File.php within ThinkPHP version 5.0.24. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through network-accessible attack vectors.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability enables remote code execution without authentication, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected ThinkPHP web applications and underlying servers.

Affected Products

• ThinkPHP 5.0.24

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-11-20 - CVE-2025-63888 published to NVD
• 2025-11-25 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-63888

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program), commonly referred to as PHP Remote File Inclusion. The vulnerable read function in the template driver component fails to properly validate or sanitize input before including files, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code.

ThinkPHP is a popular PHP framework widely used in web application development, particularly in Chinese-speaking regions. The template driver component handles file operations related to template processing. When the read function processes user-controllable input without adequate security controls, attackers can manipulate the file inclusion mechanism to execute malicious code on the server.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing applications built on the affected ThinkPHP version. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in improper input validation within the File.php template driver. The read function does not adequately sanitize or restrict the file paths it processes, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that are subsequently interpreted and executed by the PHP interpreter. This represents a classic file inclusion vulnerability pattern where untrusted input flows into file handling operations without proper security controls.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without requiring authentication or user interaction. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests targeting the vulnerable read function in the template driver. By manipulating input parameters that influence file path construction, the attacker can cause the application to include and execute arbitrary PHP code.

The attack flow typically involves:

1. Identifying a ThinkPHP 5.0.24 application exposed to the network
2. Crafting a request that targets the vulnerable template driver function
3. Injecting a malicious file path or PHP payload
4. Achieving code execution on the target server

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the GitHub PoC Script and the Yuque Documentation Resource.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-63888

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests targeting ThinkPHP template driver endpoints with suspicious file path parameters
• Web server logs containing attempts to include remote files or traverse directories
• Unexpected PHP processes or file system modifications on servers running ThinkPHP
• Network traffic patterns indicating command and control communication from web servers

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web application logs for requests containing path traversal sequences (e.g., ../, ..%2f) or PHP file inclusion attempts
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block file inclusion attack patterns targeting ThinkPHP applications
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity to detect anomalous process execution originating from PHP/web server processes
• Conduct regular vulnerability scanning to identify ThinkPHP 5.0.24 installations in your environment

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for ThinkPHP applications and centralize log collection for security analysis
• Monitor for unexpected outbound connections from web servers that could indicate successful exploitation
• Implement file integrity monitoring on web application directories to detect unauthorized modifications
• Set up alerts for unusual PHP process behavior, particularly child process spawning or network connections

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-63888

Immediate Actions Required

• Identify all ThinkPHP 5.0.24 installations in your environment and prioritize them for remediation
• Apply access controls to limit exposure of affected applications while patches are evaluated
• Implement WAF rules to block known exploitation patterns for this vulnerability
• Review web server and application logs for signs of exploitation attempts

Patch Information

Administrators should upgrade to a patched version of ThinkPHP that addresses this vulnerability. Consult the GitHub PoC Script for technical details and the ThinkPHP project for official security updates. If an official patch is not yet available, implement the workarounds described below.

Workarounds

• Restrict network access to ThinkPHP applications using firewall rules or network segmentation
• Implement input validation at the web server or WAF level to filter malicious file path parameters
• Disable or restrict access to the affected template driver component if not required for application functionality
• Consider placing vulnerable applications behind a reverse proxy with enhanced security monitoring

# Example: Restrict access to ThinkPHP application using iptables
# Limit access to trusted IP ranges only
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s TRUSTED_IP_RANGE -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s TRUSTED_IP_RANGE -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP