A major website security issue is making headlines worldwide, and it's something every business owner with a website should be aware of.
On October 21, 2026, two critical security vulnerabilities were disclosed in PHP, a programming language used by millions of websites, including those built with WordPress.
The vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619, could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to vulnerable web servers and execute malicious code.
Security updates have been released, and hosting providers around the world are working to protect their systems.
However, the situation has highlighted a much larger issue: many business websites are still running outdated software that no longer receives regular security updates.
What Is PHP, and Why Does It Matter?
PHP is a programming language that works behind the scenes to power many websites.
If your business website runs on WordPress, it relies on PHP to handle everything from displaying pages to processing contact forms and managing website content.
Like any software, PHP needs regular updates to address security vulnerabilities, improve performance and maintain compatibility with newer technologies.
Over time, older PHP versions reach what is known as end of life. Once that happens, they no longer receive official security updates from the PHP project.
That can leave websites exposed to vulnerabilities that may never be fixed within those older versions.
Which PHP Versions Are Still Supported?
As of October 2026, PHP versions 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5 remain officially supported.
Older versions, including PHP 7.4, 8.0 and 8.1, have reached end of life.
The current PHP support status is:
- PHP 8.5: Actively supported, with security updates through December 2029.
- PHP 8.4: Actively supported, with security updates through December 2028.
- PHP 8.3: Receiving security updates through December 2027.
- PHP 8.2: Receiving security updates through December 2026.
- PHP 8.1 and older: No longer officially supported.
The newly disclosed vulnerabilities affect multiple PHP versions, including supported releases that haven't yet received the latest patches.
This means that simply running a newer version of PHP isn't enough. The software must also be kept updated.
Some hosting providers offer extended security support for older PHP versions, but businesses should confirm this directly with their provider.
For the latest information, visit the official PHP supported versions page (opens in a new tab).
What Could Happen If Your Website Is Running Outdated Software?
An outdated PHP version doesn't automatically mean your website has been compromised.
However, running unsupported software can increase the likelihood of security and compatibility problems.
Potential risks include:
- Unauthorized access: Attackers may exploit vulnerabilities to access website files or server resources.
- Malware and redirects: Malicious code could be introduced, potentially redirecting visitors to unsafe websites.
- Website downtime: Security incidents can cause websites to become inaccessible or stop functioning properly.
- Data exposure: Information stored or processed by a website could be at risk if an attacker gains access.
- Compatibility issues: Older PHP versions may prevent WordPress, themes and plugins from receiving important updates.
For businesses and nonprofit organizations that rely on their websites for donations, inquiries, registrations or everyday operations, these risks deserve attention.
Why Older WordPress Websites Can Be Difficult to Update
One of the challenges with older websites is that upgrading PHP isn't always as simple as changing a setting.
A website built five, eight or ten years ago may rely on older themes, plugins or custom functionality that isn't compatible with current PHP versions.
Upgrading without testing could cause layouts to break, forms to stop working or the website to become inaccessible.
That's why major PHP upgrades should be approached carefully, with proper backups, compatibility reviews and testing.
In some cases, updating the existing website is relatively straightforward.
In others, the underlying technology may have become so outdated that rebuilding the website is a more practical long-term solution.
When Should You Consider Rebuilding Your Website?
A website doesn't necessarily need replacing simply because it's several years old.
However, there are signs that it may be time to consider a modern rebuild:
- The website relies on PHP versions that are no longer supported.
- Its theme or plugins are outdated or no longer maintained.
- Important software updates regularly cause compatibility problems.
- The website is difficult to maintain or expand.
- Performance, accessibility or mobile usability have fallen behind current expectations.
A modern website built on a supported framework provides a stronger foundation for ongoing security updates, performance improvements and future development.
Of course, even newly built websites require ongoing maintenance. Security isn't something that's completed once a website launches.
What Should Business Owners Do Right Now?
If you're unsure whether your website is affected by the recent PHP security vulnerabilities, start with a few simple steps.
- Contact your website developer or hosting provider. Ask which PHP version your website is running and whether the latest security patches have been applied.
- Check for unsupported software. Confirm that your WordPress installation, themes, plugins and PHP environment are receiving security updates.
- Make sure your website is backed up. Reliable, tested backups are essential if an update fails or a security incident occurs.
- Plan upgrades carefully. Avoid making major PHP changes to an older website without checking compatibility first.
- Consider the long-term health of your website. If your website is becoming increasingly difficult to update, it may be worth reviewing whether its existing technology is still the right foundation for your organization.
Website Security Shouldn't Be an Afterthought
The latest PHP vulnerabilities are a reminder that website security involves more than having an SSL certificate or keeping WordPress plugins updated.
The underlying technology matters too.
At EB Media, we work with businesses and nonprofit organizations across Hamilton and Ontario to build, host and maintain websites.
Whether your website needs a software upgrade, a technical review or a complete redesign, it's important to understand the condition of your existing technology before problems arise.
Is Your Business Website Running Outdated Technology?
If you're unsure whether your website is running a supported version of PHP or whether its underlying technology needs attention, now is a good time to find out.
At EB Media, we help businesses and nonprofit organizations build modern websites designed for long-term performance, security and reliability.
Contact EB Media (opens in a new tab) to discuss your website and what updates may be needed to keep it secure, reliable and ready for the future.
