Medium

XML-RPC for PHP allows access to local files via malicious argument to the Client::send method

  • Disclosed: 11.01.2023
  • Updated: 11.10.2026 10:22

Abusing the $method argument of Client::send, it was possible to force the client to access local files or connect to undesired urls instead of the intended target server's url (the one used in the Client constructor).

This weakness only affects installations where all the following conditions apply, at the same time:

  • the xmlrpc Client is used, ie. not xmlrpc servers
  • untrusted data (eg. data from remote users) is used as value for the $method argument of method Client::send(), in conjunction with conditions which trigger usage of curl as http transport (ie. either using the https, http11 or http2 protocols, or calling Client::setUseCurl() beforehand)
  • either have set the Clients return_type property to 'xml', or make the resulting Response's object httpResponse member, which is intended to be used for debugging purposes only, available to 3rd parties, eg. by displaying it to the end user or serializing it in some storage (note that the same data can also be accessed via magic property Response::raw_data, and in the Request's httpResponse member)

This is most likely a very uncommon usage scenario, and as such the chances of exploitation of this issue may be low.

If it is not possible to upgrade to this release of the library at this time, a proactive security measure, to avoid the Client accessing any local file on the server which hosts it, is to add the following call to your code:

php
  $client->setCurlOptions([CURLOPT_PROTOCOLS, CURLPROTO_HTTPS|CURLPROTO_HTTP]);

Originally reported as issue #81

Affected software

Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.

PlatformPackageVulnerable versionsFixed in
Composer package phpxmlrpc/phpxmlrpc < 4.9.0 4.9.0

References

CVSS score -
Weakness (CWE)
-
Platform
Composer
Package
phpxmlrpc/phpxmlrpc
Disclosed
11.01.2023
Updated
11.10.2026 10:22

Sources and licenses

OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-m95x-m25c-w9mp - CC BY 4.0

Vulnerability history: phpxmlrpc/phpxmlrpc

All published vulnerabilities of this package (Composer package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.

Total entries
5
First → latest
11.2022 01.2023
Without a fix
0
Exploited in attacks
0

Severity breakdown

  • High 1
  • Medium 4

Disclosures per year

  1. 2022: 2
  2. 2023: 3
  3. 2024: 0
  4. 2025: 0
  5. 2026: 0
  1. XML-RPC for PHP allows access to local files via malicious argument to the Client::send method this entry
    Medium ghsa-m95x-m25c-w9mp < 4.9.0 4.9.0
  2. Medium ghsa-pxqj-xrv5-qvjf < 4.9.2 4.9.2
  3. Medium ghsa-q7qq-9gx2-ggxv < 4.9.0 4.9.0
  4. High ghsa-3fgr-xjr6-xqm8 < 4.9.0 4.9.0

Know which vulnerabilities affect your application

With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.

Connect your application
DockRay newsletter

Application security in your inbox

Important vulnerabilities, actionable guidance and practical advice for your applications. Choose your technologies and follow what matters to your project.

  • A daily digest of new vulnerabilities, critical ones included.
  • Notifications about important updates.
  • Practical advice on application security and monitoring.

Leave empty to receive updates for every technology.

Free to subscribe. Unsubscribe with one click in any email.