The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Two weaknesses in PEAR’s web repository, pearweb, could have let an attacker take over a developer account, publish a malicious package release and use a vulnerable archive dependency to execute code on the repository server. Sonar disclosed the findings on March 29, 2022; it said the affected range was pearweb versions before 1.32 and that patches reached production on March 13, 2022. This is a historical vulnerability disclosure, not evidence that the flaws are being exploited now or that any particular installation is currently exposed.
How could the PEAR bugs have enabled a supply-chain attack?
PEAR distributes PHP libraries. Sonar describes pearweb as the web repository that connects a package name to its download URL. If an attacker can change that association or publish a malicious release, package managers may retrieve software from an unintended source.
The disclosed weaknesses formed a possible chain with distinct stages: a password-reset flaw could expose a developer or administrator account; access to that account could enable malicious package publication; and a vulnerable archive-extraction dependency offered a route to code execution on the repository server. The report describes these as potential consequences of the weaknesses, not as proof that a supply-chain attack occurred.
Stage 1: Reset-token weakness
The reset token combined a weak mt_rand() output with values an attacker knew or could approximate. Sonar calculated that a valid token could be found in fewer than 50 attempts. If used against a developer or administrator account, this could provide the access needed to publish a malicious version of an existing package.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Stage 2: Archive extraction weakness
Sonar’s test deployment used Archive_Tar version 1.4.7. The report says its vulnerable extraction behavior could use symbolic links to write a PHP file outside the intended extraction directory, including into a web-served directory. Sonar demonstrated the behavior in a local virtual machine and said its testing did not disrupt the official PEAR instance.
The two issues did not have the same role: the reset weakness concerned account access and release abuse, while the archive dependency was the reported route to server-side code execution and persistence.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What versions and dates did Sonar report?
- Affected range: pearweb instances before version 1.32.
- July 30, 2021: Sonar reported the findings to active PEAR maintainers.
- August 3, 2021: A maintainer confirmed the issues and began work on patches.
- March 13, 2022: Sonar says patches were deployed to production.
- March 29, 2022: Sonar published its report.
These dates and version boundaries come from the 2022 disclosure; they do not establish the status of a particular installation today. Administrators should check the version and patch status of the pearweb instance they operate rather than infer safety from the historical production patch statement.
Why did the repository matter to developers?
A package repository is part of the software supply chain: it determines where package managers obtain code. A compromised publishing account can therefore affect downstream users even when the users’ own systems have no direct vulnerability in the package manager.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Sonar estimated in 2022 that around 285 million packages had ever been downloaded from pear.php.net. That is the report’s historical estimate, not a current usage count or independently audited total. Sonar also said several popular PEAR packages were receiving several thousand downloads per month at that time; that figure should not be read as current activity.
“The impact of such attacks on developer tools such as PEAR is even more significant as they are likely to run it on their computers before deploying it on production servers, creating an opportunity for attackers to pivot into companies’ internal networks.”
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
That warning was written by Thomas Chauchefoin, a Vulnerability Researcher at Sonar, in the March 29, 2022 report. It highlights why compromise of developer tooling can matter beyond the repository itself: code installed during development may be carried into production or executed within a company’s internal environment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How was this different from the 2019 PEAR installer incident?
The 2022 pearweb disclosure is separate from the 2019 incident cataloged by CNCF TAG Security. In that earlier incident, the go-pear.phar installer was replaced with a modified version. The catalog says users who downloaded PEAR installation files from pear.php.net during a six-month window could have been infected, and notes that the publishing infrastructure was compromised without code-signing.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The attack paths differ: the 2019 incident involved a replaced installer, while Sonar’s 2022 report concerned a password-reset weakness and an archive-extraction dependency in pearweb. They should not be treated as one event.
Quick Recap
What should PEAR users and administrators take from the disclosure?
- For pearweb operators: Check the deployed pearweb version and patch status directly. The report’s stated affected range is before 1.32, but the 2022 production patch date does not verify any specific installation.
- For developers and package consumers: Review whether PEAR remains part of your dependency workflow and assess the provenance of packages you use. Sonar recommended reviewing PEAR use and considering migration to Composer; that is a recommendation, not proof that migrating alone prevents repository compromise.
- For development-security teams: Static analysis and secure code review can help identify application-level weaknesses, as Sonar said its analysis identified a security hotspot in the password-reset code. Such checks are one layer; they do not by themselves secure publishing accounts or repository infrastructure.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
