phpMyFAQ: Exposure of Sensitive Information Through Data Queries
CVE-2025-69200 is a high-severity exposure of sensitive information through data queries vulnerability in phpMyFAQ from Thorsten, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected phpMyFAQ versions: < 4.0.16. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.14% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 82% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of phpMyFAQ you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
phpMyFAQ is an open source FAQ web application. In versions prior to 4.0.16, an unauthenticated remote attacker can trigger generation of a configuration backup ZIP via `POST /api/setup/backup` and then download the generated ZIP from a web-accessible location. The ZIP contains sensitive configuration files (e.g., `database.php` with database credentials), leading to high-impact information disclosure and potential follow-on compromise. Version 4.0.16 fixes the issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Exposure of Sensitive Information Through Data Queries
When trying to keep information confidential, an attacker can often infer some of the information by using statistics.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- This is a complex topic. See the for a good discussion of best practices.
More Exposure of Sensitive Information Through Data Queries vulnerabilities (CWE-202)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in phpMyFAQ
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Exposure of Sensitive Information Through Data Queries vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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