# CVE-1999-0238: PHP php.cgi arbitrary file disclosure

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0238-php-php-cgi-arbitrary-file-disclosure  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 1997-08-01. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-1999-0238 · Severity: critical · CVSS 10 · Published 1997-08-01

A vulnerability in the PHP CGI binary allows remote attackers to access and read any file on the web server. This could lead to the exposure of sensitive configuration files, system passwords, and private data, potentially resulting in a full system takeover. This issue affects older web environments using the PHP Common Gateway Interface (CGI) implementation.

Technologies: [PHP Group PHP](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/php). Vendors: [PHP Group](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/php-group).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-1999-0238 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-1999-0238 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-1999-0238?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 10, published 1 August 1997.

**Which products and versions are affected?** PHP Group PHP Versions utilizing php.cgi (circa 1997).

**Is there a fix for CVE-1999-0238?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-1999-0238 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a web application.

**Am I affected by CVE-1999-0238?** Check whether you run PHP Group PHP at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability exists in the php.cgi binary, which fails to properly restrict file access when processing requests. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending a specially crafted HTTP request to the CGI script, bypassing intended access controls to read sensitive system files. This is a classic arbitrary file disclosure vulnerability resulting from improper input validation or path handling in the CGI implementation. Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to view any file that the web server process has permissions to read, which often includes configuration files containing credentials.

## Affected products

- PHP Group PHP Versions utilizing php.cgi (circa 1997)

## Timeline

- 1997-08-01: disclosed: Initial NVD publication date

## References

- [https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0238](https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0238)

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