Actively exploitedKnown ransomware use

CVE-2019-11043 PHP FastCGI Process Manager (FPM) Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

In some versions of PHP in certain configurations of FPM setup, it is possible to cause FPM module to write past allocated buffers allowing the possibility of remote code execution.

From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.

Our Assessment

Should You Worry?

Patch nowCybergen assessment

CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 25 Mar 2022.
CISA lists it as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Rated High severity (CVSS 8.7, scored by Vendor).
It has been in the catalogue for 1,687 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.

The Vulnerability

What It Is

In PHP versions 7.1.x below 7.1.33, 7.2.x below 7.2.24 and 7.3.x below 7.3.11 in certain configurations of FPM setup it is possible to cause FPM module to write past allocated buffers into the space reserved for FCGI protocol data, thus opening the possibility of remote code execution.

Affected Versions

Product	Versions
PHP PHP	7.1.x to before 7.1.33 7.2.x to before 7.2.24 7.3.x to before 7.3.11

From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.

From Watch to Action

What To Do Now

1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for PHP FastCGI Process Manager (FPM). Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management
2
Fix it
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Vulnerability Management
3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response
4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing

Vendor Advisories

nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-11043

Regulation

The Compliance Clock

Cyber EssentialsRated high, so if it affects devices in your Cyber Essentials scope, the update must be installed within 14 days of the vendor releasing it.NIS2If exploitation causes a significant incident, essential and important entities owe their CSIRT an early warning within 24 hours and a notification within 72 hours.DORAFinancial entities must classify ICT incidents and send an initial notification for a major incident within strict deadlines, with exploited flaws a common cause.US federal (BOD 22-01)Federal civilian agencies had until 15 Apr 2022 to remediate. A sensible benchmark for everyone else.

General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.

Stay Ahead

More Exploited PHP Flaws

All 3 exploited PHP vulnerabilities

Not Sure If You Are Exposed?

Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2019-11043 and every other exploited flaw on the list.

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Evidence

PREVENTION

DETECTION & MITIGATION

GRC

INCIDENT RESPONSE

CLOUD SECURITY

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

REGULATED SERVICES

PUBLIC SERVICES

COMMERCIAL

THREAT INTELLIGENCE

MANAGED SECURITY

NETWORK & CLOUD

RISK & COMPLIANCE

DATA & APPLICATIONS

PEOPLE & EMAIL

FOR VENDORS

CVE-2019-11043 PHP FastCGI Process Manager (FPM) Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

Should You Worry?

What It Is

Affected Versions

What To Do Now

Find it

Fix it

Hunt for compromise

Prove it is fixed

Vendor Advisories

The Compliance Clock

More Exploited PHP Flaws

Not Sure If You Are Exposed?

Sources