CVE-2018-15133: In Laravel Framework through 5.5.40 and 5.6.x through 5.6.29, remote code execution might occur as a result of an unserialize call on a potentially un...

Description

In Laravel Framework through 5.5.40 and 5.6.x through 5.6.29, remote code execution might occur as a result of an unserialize call on a potentially untrusted X-XSRF-TOKEN value. This involves the decrypt method in Illuminate/Encryption/Encrypter.php and PendingBroadcast in gadgetchains/Laravel/RCE/3/chain.php in phpggc. The attacker must know the application key, which normally would never occur, but could happen if the attacker previously had privileged access or successfully accomplished a previous attack.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

8.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

76.81%

99.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by Feb 6, 2024.

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Laravel	Laravel	<= 5.5.40
Laravel	Laravel	>= 5.6.0, <= 5.6.29

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/153641/PHP-Laravel-Framework-Token-Unserialize-Remote-Command-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://laravel.com/docs/5.6/upgrade#upgrade-5.6.30Vendor Advisory
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/153641/PHP-Laravel-Framework-Token-Unserialize-Remote-Command-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://laravel.com/docs/5.6/upgrade#upgrade-5.6.30Vendor Advisory
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2018-15133US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Aug 9, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-15133?

In Laravel Framework through 5.5.40 and 5.6.x through 5.6.29, remote code execution might occur as a result of an unserialize call on a potentially untrusted X-XSRF-TOKEN value. This involves the decrypt method in Illuminate/Encryption/Encrypter.php and PendingBroadcast in gadgetchains/Laravel/RCE/3/chain.php in phpggc. The attacker must know the application key, which normally would never occur, but could happen if the attacker previously had privileged access or successfully accomplished a previous attack.

How severe is CVE-2018-15133?

CVE-2018-15133 has a CVSS score of 8.1/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 76.81% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2018-15133?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

How Strix Helps

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