Suspicious PHP Stream Wrapper in Query-String CLI Argument

ATT&CK techniques

Initial Access → Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
- T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application
Execution
- T1059Command and Scripting Interpreter
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects HTTP requests combining injected CLI option syntax in the query string with remote PHP stream wrappers such as ftp, phar, or php filter, matching the Craft CMS argv injection to remote code execution chain documented by Assetnote. Attackers use these wrappers to load remote templates or configuration and pivot to code execution. The pairing of a leading double-dash option with a wrapper scheme strongly indicates exploitation rather than benign parameters.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious PHP Stream Wrapper in Query-String CLI Argument

Pivot detection · T1059 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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