PHP Vulnerability: $2K Bitcoin Challenge Shows Exploit Harder Than Feared
A developer placed $2,000 in Bitcoin on an unpatched PHP server vulnerable to the critical PHP2Shell flaw and dared the internet to steal it. 17+ hours in, the wallet remains untouched despite server crashes, suggesting the exploit is harder to execute than feared.
What we know
Per an account on X (48K views), a developer exposed a Bitcoin wallet on an unpatched PHP server vulnerable to the PHP2Shell critical flaw (patched Oct 21) and dared hackers to steal it. After 17 hours, the ~$2,000 wallet remains untouched — someone is crashing the server but no remote code execution (RCE) has been achieved. Another account on X amplified a related meme that 'the entire US infrastructure was secured by PHP and the number 4,' highlighting broader systemic risk concerns about legacy PHP deployments in critical systems.
How the story developed
A developer placed $2,000 in Bitcoin on an unpatched PHP server vulnerable to the critical PHP2Shell flaw and dared the internet to steal it. 17+ hours in, the wallet remains untouched despite server crashes, suggesting the exploit is harder to execute than feared.
Two cybersecurity stories dominate: 11 unpatched Tailscale vulnerabilities were publicly disclosed (bypassing coordinated disclosure), with SSH race conditions enabling root access across networked devices; separately, a live CTF loaded a vulnerable PHP site with Bitcoin and challenged the internet to steal it.
By the Global Eye 24 desk, with AI assistance. Updated as the story develops. Spot an error? Write to corrections@globaleye24.com.