CVE-2004-2692: The exec_dir PHP patch (php-exec-dir) 4.3.2 through 4.3.7 with safe mode disabled allows remote attackers to b

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HIGH 9.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-2692 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting php-exec-dir. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The exec_dir PHP patch (php-exec-dir) 4.3.2 through 4.3.7 with safe mode disabled allows remote attackers to bypass restrictions and execute arbitrary commands via a backtick operator, which is not handled using the php_escape_shell_cmd function.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	4.5% (top 8%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-16, CWE-264
Published	2004-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: kyberdigi labs

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

kyberdigi labs php-exec-dir DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.3.2 · 4.3.3 · 4.3.4 · 4.3.5 · 4.3.6 · 4.3.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.3.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy php-exec-dir || rpm -q php-exec-dir || php-exec-dir --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.3.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison php-exec-dir sudo apt install php-exec-dir=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.3.2> sudo apt-mark hold php-exec-dir

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list php-exec-dir sudo dnf downgrade php-exec-dir-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.3.2> sudo dnf versionlock add php-exec-dir

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: PHP 4.3.7 - 'php-exec-dir' Patch Command Access Restriction Bypass

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2004-2692?

php-exec-dir: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-2692 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2692 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2004-2692 affect?

CVE-2004-2692 affects php-exec-dir. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). The exec_dir PHP patch (php-exec-dir) 4.3.2 through 4.3.7 with safe mode disabled allows remote attackers to bypass restrictions and execute arbitrary commands via a backtick operator, which is not handled using the php_escape_shell_cmd fun

How urgent is CVE-2004-2692?

Priority 60/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 8%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

References

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