phpMyFAQ before 4.1.6 fails to validate path traversal sequences in the existing_image field during category updates, allowing authenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files by exploiting insufficient sanitization in Image::delete(). Attackers can delete the database.php configuration file to disable the installation gate and access the public setup wizard to create new superadmin accounts.
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/phpmyfaq-before-path-traversal-via-category-image-deletion
https://github.com/thorsten/phpMyFAQ/security/advisories/GHSA-mh9w-5hr8-3272
Published: 2026-07-27
Updated: 2026-07-28
Base Score: 5.5
Vector: CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:N/I:P/A:P
Severity: Medium
Base Score: 6.5
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
Severity: Medium
Base Score: 8.6
Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
Severity: High
EPSS: 0.00325