CVE-2025-12062 in WP Maps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2026
The WP Maps – Store Locator,Google Maps,OpenStreetMap,Mapbox,Listing,Directory & Filters plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 4.8.6 via the fc_load_template function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to include and execute arbitrary .html files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where .html file types can be uploaded and included.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-12062 affects the WP Maps – Store Locator plugin for WordPress, a widely used mapping solution that integrates various map services including Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, and Mapbox. This plugin enables users to create store locators, directories, and mapping interfaces for WordPress websites. The vulnerability exists within the fc_load_template function which handles template loading operations within the plugin's codebase. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that impacts all versions up to and including 4.8.6, making it a persistent threat across multiple releases of the software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the fc_load_template function which fails to sanitize or validate file paths provided by users. Attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher can exploit this weakness by manipulating the template loading mechanism to include arbitrary files from the server filesystem. The vulnerability specifically allows for local file inclusion attacks where .html files can be uploaded and subsequently included, enabling attackers to execute PHP code contained within these files. This represents a classic LFI (Local File Inclusion) vulnerability that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides authenticated attackers with the ability to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on the server. An attacker could include system files, configuration files, or other sensitive resources to extract information such as database credentials, user accounts, or other confidential data. The ability to execute PHP code through included .html files creates a powerful attack vector that can be used to establish persistent access, deploy backdoors, or escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. This vulnerability essentially allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server, making it a significant threat to website security and data integrity.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately update to the latest version of the WP Maps – Store Locator plugin where this issue has been patched. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including restricting file upload capabilities, implementing proper input validation, and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and follows attack patterns associated with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and persistence techniques. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of their WordPress installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all plugins and themes are kept current with security patches. The affected plugin developers should implement proper sanitization of user inputs and validation of file paths to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future releases.