Description
phpMyFAQ before 4.1.6 does not adequately sanitize HTML in FAQ answers before generating PDFs via TCPDF. An attacker with permission to create or edit FAQ content can embed an <img> tag whose src references a local file under the web root's content/ directory (e.g., content/core/config/database.php). When the PDF is generated, phpMyFAQ attempts to read the referenced file; because it is not a valid image the resulting error is converted into an uncaught exception whose stack trace discloses part of the file's contents to any user who triggers the PDF export. By default the disclosed portion is truncated (zend.exception_string_param_max_len), but a larger configured value can result in disclosure of entire files, including database credentials.
Published: 2026-08-19
Score: 7.1 High
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

phpMyFAQ before version 4.1.6 does not properly sanitize HTML in FAQ answers when it creates PDFs. The application allows an attacker who can create or edit FAQ entries to embed an <img> tag whose src points to a local file inside the web root’s content/ directory. When a PDF is exported, TCPDF attempts to read that file; because it is not a valid image the process throws an exception. The uncaught exception’s stack trace is returned to the client, leaking the content of the referenced file. By default only a truncated portion of the file is shown because of the zend.exception_string_param_max_len setting, but a higher configuration value can expose the entire file, possibly including database credentials.

Affected Systems

The vulnerability affects phpMyFAQ releases prior to version 4.1.6. Any system deploying phpMyFAQ with a content/ directory that contains sensitive files and that authorizes users to edit FAQ content and request PDF exports is at risk.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a moderate severity vulnerability, and the EPSS score of < 1% suggests a low likelihood of exploitation. The vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog. The likely attack vector is through an authenticated web‑application action that requires permission to edit FAQ entries. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality of local files. If database credentials are disclosed, an attacker may gain a foothold into backend database systems. Restricting editing rights or disabling PDF export for those accounts reduces the threat surface.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 21, 2026 at 13:20 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade phpMyFAQ to version 4.1.6 or later, where the HTML sanitization flaw and stack‑trace leakage are fixed.
  • Revoke or limit the ability for non‑privileged users to edit FAQ entries or to initiate PDF exports, thereby preventing malicious content injection.
  • Configure zend.exception_string_param_max_len to a minimal value (or disable exception stack traces in production) to limit the amount of data exposed in error messages.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 21, 2026 at 13:20 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'poc', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description phpMyFAQ before 4.1.7 does not adequately sanitize HTML in FAQ answers before generating PDFs via TCPDF. An attacker with permission to create or edit FAQ content can embed an <img> tag whose src references a local file under the web root's content/ directory (e.g., content/core/config/database.php). When the PDF is generated, phpMyFAQ attempts to read the referenced file; because it is not a valid image the resulting error is converted into an uncaught exception whose stack trace discloses part of the file's contents to any user who triggers the PDF export. By default the disclosed portion is truncated (zend.exception_string_param_max_len), but a larger configured value can result in disclosure of entire files, including database credentials. phpMyFAQ before 4.1.6 does not adequately sanitize HTML in FAQ answers before generating PDFs via TCPDF. An attacker with permission to create or edit FAQ content can embed an <img> tag whose src references a local file under the web root's content/ directory (e.g., content/core/config/database.php). When the PDF is generated, phpMyFAQ attempts to read the referenced file; because it is not a valid image the resulting error is converted into an uncaught exception whose stack trace discloses part of the file's contents to any user who triggers the PDF export. By default the disclosed portion is truncated (zend.exception_string_param_max_len), but a larger configured value can result in disclosure of entire files, including database credentials.

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description phpMyFAQ before 4.1.7 does not adequately sanitize HTML in FAQ answers before generating PDFs via TCPDF. An attacker with permission to create or edit FAQ content can embed an <img> tag whose src references a local file under the web root's content/ directory (e.g., content/core/config/database.php). When the PDF is generated, phpMyFAQ attempts to read the referenced file; because it is not a valid image the resulting error is converted into an uncaught exception whose stack trace discloses part of the file's contents to any user who triggers the PDF export. By default the disclosed portion is truncated (zend.exception_string_param_max_len), but a larger configured value can result in disclosure of entire files, including database credentials.
Title phpMyFAQ before v4.1.6 Local File Disclosure via PDF Export
First Time appeared Phpmyfaq
Phpmyfaq phpmyfaq
Weaknesses CWE-73
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:phpmyfaq:phpmyfaq:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Phpmyfaq
Phpmyfaq phpmyfaq
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 6.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N'}

cvssV4_0

{'score': 7.1, 'vector': 'CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N'}


Subscriptions

Phpmyfaq Phpmyfaq
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: VulnCheck

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-21T19:19:16.246Z

Reserved: 2026-08-19T11:34:28.576Z

Link: CVE-2026-76210

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-08-21T19:19:12.267Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-08-19T14:17:46.510

Modified: 2026-09-01T15:21:48.063

Link: CVE-2026-76210

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-21T13:30:04Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-73

    External Control of File Name or Path