CVE-2026-76210 thorsten CVE debrief

Who should care

Organizations using phpMyFAQ, especially those with sensitive data stored in the content/ directory, should prioritize patching to prevent potential local file disclosure via PDF export.

Technical summary

phpMyFAQ before 4.1.6 does not adequately sanitize HTML in FAQ answers before generating PDFs via TCPDF. An attacker with permission to create or edit FAQ content can embed an <img> tag whose src references a local file under the web root's content/ directory. When the PDF is generated, phpMyFAQ attempts to read the referenced file; because it is not a valid image the resulting error is converted into an uncaught exception whose stack trace discloses part of the file's contents to any user who triggers the PDF export.

Defensive priority

Organizations using phpMyFAQ should prioritize patching to prevent potential local file disclosure via PDF export.

Recommended defensive actions

• Patch phpMyFAQ to version 4.1.6 or later
• Restrict access to FAQ content creation and editing
• Monitor for suspicious PDF export activity
• Implement additional security measures to protect against local file disclosure
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented

Evidence notes

The CVE description indicates that phpMyFAQ before 4.1.6 does not adequately sanitize HTML in FAQ answers before generating PDFs via TCPDF, potentially leading to local file disclosure. An attacker with permission to create or edit FAQ content can embed an <img> tag whose src references a local file under the web root's content/ directory. When the PDF is generated, phpMyFAQ attempts to read the referenced file; because it is not a valid image the resulting error is converted into an uncaught exception whose stack trace discloses part of the file's contents to any user who triggers the PDF export.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.