From Polygon · Patricia Hernandez · · 40s
Internet Crises Over PHP Vulnerability
A critical PHP security flaw threatens nearly every major website globally today.
In brief
A critical PHP security flaw threatens nearly every major website globally today. A PHP vulnerability could allow hackers to erase data or lock systems until ransom is paid, affecting websites like Wikipedia and Spotify. Originally reported by Polygon.
Critical PHP Vulnerability
A massive security risk impacts nearly every popular website including Wikipedia, Slack, Spotify, and Pornhub.
Vulnerability Details
Hackers could erase information or inject scripts to attack targets without authentication.
Affected Websites
4chan, Something Awful, DeviantArt, and Fur Affinity are offline or in read-only mode.
Fix Timeline
The patch will be live at 2 p.m. UTC on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
What it means
A PHP vulnerability could allow hackers to erase data or lock systems until ransom is paid, affecting websites like Wikipedia and Spotify.
