Heap-based buffer overflow in PHP - CVE-2025-14178

Detailed vulnerability description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the array_merge() PPH function. A remote attacker can pass specially crafted data to the application, trigger a heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

How to mitigate CVE-2025-14178

Sources

• https://www.php.net/ChangeLog-8.php#8.5.1
• https://www.php.net/ChangeLog-8.php#8.3.29
• https://www.php.net/ChangeLog-8.php#8.2.30
• https://www.php.net/ChangeLog-8.php#8.4.16
• https://www.php.net/ChangeLog-8.php#8.1.34
• https://github.com/php/php-src/security/advisories/GHSA-h96m-rvf9-jgm2