PHP: The three letters that shut down sites all over the internet today
Two bugs found with AI are behind major issues today for 4chan, DeviantArt, Wikipedia, and the blog where the bar around the corner posts pictures of people's dogs. The "critical vulnerabilities" were discovered in the PHP programming language, which underpins much of the internet, including any site built on WordPress. But it's far bigger than […]
PHP vulnerabilities have caused major issues today for websites like 4chan, DeviantArt, Wikipedia, and a blog that posts pictures of dogs. The critical flaws were in the PHP programming language, which underpins many sites, including those built on WordPress. Two separate AI groups, OpenAI and Google-owned Wiz, discovered the bugs.
The vulnerabilities could allow hackers to gain full control of a server, access sensitive data, and execute code. Major organizations including Dutch and Finnish government agencies, the NSA, and the UK's National Cyber Security Center recommended taking systems offline. Even Pokémon Home and Pokémon Champions were taken down. While the vulnerabilities have been present for years, AI made it easier to exploit them.
Users on affected websites should check their PHP version and update if necessary. Hosted sites should contact their service providers for updates.
Written by urgent.news from The Verge's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
