CVE-2012-1172

What it is

The file-upload implementation in rfc1867.c in PHP before 5.4.0 does not properly handle invalid [ (open square bracket) characters in name values, which makes it easier for remote attackers to cause a denial of service (malformed $_FILES indexes) or conduct directory traversal attacks during multi-file uploads by leveraging a script that lacks its own filename restrictions.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

6.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2012-05-24 00:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:39 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 6.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2012-05-24 00:55 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:39 UTC

Exploit probability

6.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Modified

Affected

• PHP ≤ 5.3.10
• PHP 5.0.0
• PHP 5.0.1
• PHP 5.0.2
• PHP 5.0.3
• PHP 5.0.4
• PHP 5.0.5
• PHP 5.1.0

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 5.8

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Partial

Availability

Partial

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2012-1172.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2012-1172. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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