CVE-2014-5519: The Ploticus module in PhpWiki 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacter

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2014-5519 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting phpwiki. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Ploticus module in PhpWiki 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in a device option in the edit[content] parameter to index.php/HeIp. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	65.0% (top 1%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2014-09-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: phpwiki project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2014-09-11 14:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:11 UTCUpdated Record last modified

phpwiki project phpwiki DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.5.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.5.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison phpwiki sudo apt install phpwiki=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5.0> sudo apt-mark hold phpwiki

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

dnf --showduplicates list phpwiki sudo dnf downgrade phpwiki-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add phpwiki

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: PhpWiki - Remote Command Execution
Metasploit: Phpwiki Ploticus Remote 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-2014-5519?

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

Is CVE-2014-5519 being exploited?

CVE-2014-5519 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-2014-5519 affect?

CVE-2014-5519 affects phpwiki. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The Ploticus module in PhpWiki 1.5.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in a device option in the edit[content] parameter to index.php/HeIp. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party

How urgent is CVE-2014-5519?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2017-7981 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE DOWNGRADE Tuleap before 9.7 allows command injection via the PhpWiki 1.3.10 SyntaxHighlighter plugin

References

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