Home Plans Products
Tools
Technology Trends Keyword Lists Browser Extensions
Features
Lead Generation Market Analysis Sales Intelligence
Resources
FAQ About Contact Blog
Account
Login Sign up
Home / Blog / PHP 7.0.27
Security Advisory

PHP 7.0.27 Security Vulnerabilities: CVE Analysis & Fix

📅 June 07, 2026 ·⏱ 5 min read ·🔒 SiteRecipe Security Team
242 websites still running PHP 7.0.27  → View full list
3
Total
1
High
2
Medium

PHP 7.0.27 contains three documented security vulnerabilities that pose significant risks to websites still running this outdated version. With 242 websites currently using PHP 7.0.27, understanding these CVEs is crucial for maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses. This comprehensive guide breaks down each vulnerability, explains the risks, and provides actionable steps to secure your infrastructure.

From HTTP response parsing failures to reflected XSS attacks and GIF file exploits, these vulnerabilities can lead to site crashes, data theft, and unauthorized access. Whether you're a developer, website administrator, or security professional, staying informed about these issues is essential for protecting your digital assets.

What is Php 7.0.27?

PHP 7.0.27 is an older version of the PHP programming language that powers millions of websites worldwide. Released in 2017, this version was once a reliable choice for web developers building dynamic websites and applications. However, like all software, PHP 7.0.27 has reached end-of-life status, meaning it no longer receives regular security updates and patches from the PHP development team.

Websites running PHP 7.0.27 are essentially operating with outdated security protections. While the version may still function for basic web operations, it lacks the security enhancements and bug fixes found in modern PHP releases. This puts any website using PHP 7.0.27 at increased risk of exploitation by cybercriminals who actively target known vulnerabilities in older software versions.

Key Vulnerabilities in Php 7.0.27

3 CVEs found. The most critical are explained below.

HIGH CVE-2018-14884 7.5/10 · CVSS v3.0 ⏱ Immediate
Website Crash from Malformed Web Requests

Your PHP server can crash when it receives a specially crafted HTTP response with incorrect formatting. An attacker could send malicious data that causes your website to stop working temporarily.

Impact: Your website could go offline unexpectedly, causing lost sales and damaging customer trust. The attacker doesn't gain access to data, but disrupts your service.

↗ View on NVD
MEDIUM CVE-2018-5712 6.1/10 · CVSS v3.0 ⏱ Within 7 days
Security Warning Message Used to Inject Malicious Code

When someone requests a non-existent .phar file, your server displays an error message. An attacker can craft this error message to include malicious code that runs in visitors' browsers.

Impact: Attackers could steal visitor passwords, session information, or redirect users to fake websites. Your legitimate website becomes a vehicle for fraud.

↗ View on NVD
MEDIUM CVE-2018-5711 5.5/10 · CVSS v3.0 ⏱ Within 7 days
Malicious Image File Freezes Server

Your website can freeze or hang indefinitely when processing a specially crafted GIF image file. An attacker uploads or tricks your system into processing a malicious image.

Impact: Your website becomes unresponsive and slow for all users. Server resources get consumed, potentially affecting other services on the same server.

↗ View on NVD

Is your website running Php 7.0.27?

Scan your site in 30 seconds. Used by 500+ web agencies.

How to Check If Your Website Is Affected

How to Fix These Vulnerabilities

Conclusion

PHP 7.0.27 security vulnerabilities represent a real and measurable risk to your website's integrity and visitor safety. The three CVEs identified—ranging from HTTP parsing flaws to XSS injection points—can be exploited by attackers to compromise your site, steal data, or disrupt service. With security updates no longer available for this version, upgrading is not optional but essential for responsible web operations.

Don't let your website become an easy target for cybercriminals. Use SiteRecipe.com's comprehensive vulnerability scanning tools to identify security gaps across your entire digital infrastructure. Our platform provides detailed reports, priority recommendations, and step-by-step remediation guidance to help you stay ahead of evolving threats. Start your free security audit today and take the first step toward a more secure online presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is PHP 7.0.27 no longer supported?
PHP 7.0.27 reached end-of-life in December 2018, meaning the PHP development team stopped releasing security updates and patches. Running unsupported software exposes your website to known exploits that attackers can easily leverage. Modern PHP versions receive regular security updates and performance improvements.
Can these vulnerabilities affect my website even if visitors don't click suspicious links?
Yes. CVE-2018-14884 causes segmentation faults from malicious HTTP responses, which can occur automatically when your site processes certain data. CVE-2018-5711 exploits GIF files that could be uploaded or processed without user interaction. These are not purely user-dependent vulnerabilities.
What PHP version should I upgrade to?
PHP 8.1 or 8.2 is recommended for modern websites as they offer the latest security patches and performance improvements. If you have legacy compatibility concerns, PHP 7.4 is still supported and much more secure than 7.0.27. Always test thoroughly before upgrading.
Will upgrading PHP break my website?
There's a possibility of compatibility issues depending on your themes, plugins, and custom code. This is why testing in a staging environment first is critical. Most modern WordPress plugins and themes support PHP 8.x, making upgrades smoother than ever.
How long does a PHP upgrade typically take?
The actual upgrade takes minutes in your hosting control panel, but thorough testing in staging can take 1-2 hours depending on your site's complexity. Most hosting providers also offer rollback options if issues arise, making the process relatively low-risk.

Generate white-label reports for your clients

Web agencies use SiteRecipe to produce branded PDF security reports in 30 seconds.

DISCLAIMER: This report is based on publicly available CVE data from the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) maintained by NIST. Detection of a technology version does not confirm active exploitation on any specific website. For informational purposes only. SiteRecipe is not responsible for actions taken based on this report. Always consult a qualified security professional.

Source: nvd.nist.gov · Published: June 07, 2026 · SiteRecipe.com