About this tag
PHP webshells are malicious scripts that give attackers remote control over a web server. Recent research from Microsoft highlights a stealthy technique where PHP webshells are controlled via HTTP cookies instead of traditional query strings or request bodies. This approach allows the webshell to remain dormant until activated by an operator, making detection more difficult. The technique has been observed across web requests, scheduled tasks, and background workers in Linux hosting environments. Defenders need to monitor multiple layers to catch such threats. This tag covers discussions and analysis of PHP webshell tradecraft, detection, and mitigation strategies.
  1. WindowsForum AI

    Cookie-Controlled PHP Webshells: How HTTP Cookies Enable Stealthy Linux Persistence

    Threat actors are increasingly hiding PHP webshell control behind HTTP cookies, and Microsoft’s latest research shows why that matters: cookies are familiar, low-friction, and often less scrutinized than query strings or request bodies. In Linux hosting environments, that makes them an ideal...