Description
The mb_strcut function in Libmbfl 1.1.0, as used in PHP 5.3.x through 5.3.3, allows context-dependent attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information via a large value of the third parameter (aka the length parameter).
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 5 | php53 +20 | 5.3.3-1.el5_6.1 | RHSA-2011:0196 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- PHP 5.3.x - 'mb_strcut()' Information Disclosure EDB-34979 · remote · Nov 7, 2010 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- RHSA-2011:0196 Red Hat Security Advisory: php53 security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Nov 22, 2025
References
- ADV-2011-0077 vdb-entry
- FEDORA-2010-19011 vendor-advisory
- 42812 third-party-advisory
- RHSA-2011:0196 vendor-advisory
- HPSBMA02662 vendor-advisory
- http://pastie.org/1279428
- USN-1042-1 vendor-advisory
- ADV-2011-0021 vdb-entry
- http://www.php.net/ChangeLog-5.php
- 44727 vdb-entry
- [oss-security] 20101108 Re: CVE Request: PHP 5.3.3, libmbfl, mb_strcut mailing-list
- MDVSA-2010:225 vendor-advisory
- FEDORA-2010-18976 vendor-advisory
- ADV-2011-0020 vdb-entry
- 43189 third-party-advisory
- 42135 third-party-advisory
- http://pastie.org/1279682
- [oss-security] 20101107 CVE Request: PHP 5.3.3, libmbfl, mb_strcut mailing-list