CVE-2008-6251: PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/init.php in phpFan 3.3.4 allows remote attackers to execut

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MEDIUM 6.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-6251 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting phpfan. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/init.php in phpFan 3.3.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the includepath parameter.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2009-02-24
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: scripts

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-02-24 18:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

scripts phpfan DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.3.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.3.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy phpfan || rpm -q phpfan || phpfan --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.3.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison phpfan sudo apt install phpfan=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.3.4> sudo apt-mark hold phpfan

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

dnf --showduplicates list phpfan sudo dnf downgrade phpfan-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.3.4> sudo dnf versionlock add phpfan

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: PHPfan 3.3.4 - 'init.php' Remote File Inclusion

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-2008-6251?

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

Is CVE-2008-6251 being exploited?

CVE-2008-6251 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-2008-6251 affect?

CVE-2008-6251 affects phpfan. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/init.php in phpFan 3.3.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the includepath parameter.

How urgent is CVE-2008-6251?

Priority 49/100. Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

References

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