What is PHP and why did it spark a global cyber-security scramble?

What is PHP and why did it spark a global cyber-security scramble?

A critical vulnerability in PHP, the programming language powering millions of websites since the 2000s, has forced governments and companies worldwide to issue emergency warnings. Researchers at security firms Wiz and Calif used OpenAI tools to uncover flaws that had gone undetected for more than a decade. The vulnerability could allow attackers to take control of web servers without authentication and steal sensitive data. Affected platforms include Wikipedia, WordPress, online shops, government portals, and gaming sites. Wikimedia, the Finnish government, Edinburgh council, and the BBC all took systems offline as a precaution. PHP developers released emergency patches on Wednesday, and the US National Security Agency told organisations to patch immediately or take systems offline. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged website operators to act tonight. Experts warn that exploitation attempts will likely increase in the coming weeks as technical details spread publicly.