CVE-2008-5581: PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in mini-pub.php/front-end/img.php in mini-pub 0.3 allows remote attack

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-5581 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting mini-pub. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in mini-pub.php/front-end/img.php in mini-pub 0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sFileName parameter.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.5% (top 15%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2008-12-15
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mini-pub

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-12-15 18:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:00 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mini-pub mini-pub DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mini-pub || rpm -q mini-pub || mini-pub --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mini-pub sudo apt install mini-pub=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.3> sudo apt-mark hold mini-pub

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

dnf --showduplicates list mini-pub sudo dnf downgrade mini-pub-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.3> sudo dnf versionlock add mini-pub

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: mini-pub 0.3 - File Disclosure / Code Execution

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-2008-5581?

mini-pub: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2008-5581 being exploited?

CVE-2008-5581 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-2008-5581 affect?

CVE-2008-5581 affects mini-pub. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in mini-pub.php/front-end/img.php in mini-pub 0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the sFileName parameter.

How urgent is CVE-2008-5581?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2008-5936 MEDIUM 5.0 UPGRADE front-end/edit.php in mini-pub 0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to read files and obtain PHP source cod
CVE-2008-5883 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE Absolute path traversal vulnerability in front-end/dir.php in mini-pub 0.3 and earlier allows remote attackers
CVE-2008-5580 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE mini-pub.php/front-end/cat.php in mini-pub 0.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell
CVE-2008-5579 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE Absolute path traversal vulnerability in mini-pub.php/front-end/cat.php in mini-pub 0.3 allows remote attacker

References

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