Description:

Newer versions of PHP are released frequently to fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features. Web Apps using PHP should run the latest supported PHP version to ensure security, stability, and compatibility with modern applications.


Rationale:

Using the latest PHP version helps protect the Web App from known vulnerabilities and exploits. It provides better performance, improved functionality, and support for modern PHP libraries. Keeping PHP up to date reduces risks caused by running outdated or unsupported software.


Impact:

Running an outdated PHP version may expose the Web App to unpatched security issues. It can lead to slower application performance, instability, or unexpected failures. Older PHP versions may also cause compatibility problems with new frameworks and extensions, impacting application reliability.


Default Value:

Azure Web Apps do not automatically set the latest PHP version. The PHP runtime must be manually selected in the Web App’s configuration, and older versions remain in use unless updated.


Pre-requisites:

  • Permissions: Contributor, Owner, or Web App Contributor

  • Web App must be running on PHP stack

  • Knowledge of the latest PHP versions supported in Azure App Service

Test Plan:

  1. Sign in to the Azure portal at https://portal.azure.com.

  2. In the portal, search for App Services and select the target Web App.

  3. Under Settings, go to Configuration.

  4. Under Stack settings, confirm that the Stack is set to Python.

  5. Check the Python Version dropdown and compare it with the latest stable version available.

  6. Verify that the Web App is configured to use the latest stable Python version.

  7. If it is not using the latest version, follow the implementation steps.


Implementation steps:

  1. Sign in to the Azure portal at https://portal.azure.com.

  2. In the portal, search for  App Services and select the target Web App.

  1. Under Settings, go to Configuration.

                                 

  1. Under Stack Settings, in the stack selection set Stack to PHP.

  1. In the PHP Version dropdown, choose the latest stable version available.

  2. Click Save to apply changes.

Backout Plan:

  1. Sign in to the Azure portal at https://portal.azure.com.

  2. In the portal, search for App Services and select the target Web App.

  3. Under Settings, go to Configuration.

  4. In Stack settings, confirm that the stack is set to PHP.

  5. In the PHP Version dropdown, select the previous version that was used before the change.

  6. Click Save to apply the configuration.


References: