CVE-2025-1771 in Travel Booking WordPress Theme
Summary
by MITRE • 03/15/2025
The Traveler theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 3.1.8 via the 'hotel_alone_load_more_post' function 'style' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary 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 php file type can be uploaded and included.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2025
The CVE-2025-1771 vulnerability affects the Traveler theme for WordPress, representing a critical local file inclusion flaw that has been present in all versions up to and including 3.1.8. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the 'hotel_alone_load_more_post' function, specifically in how it handles the 'style' parameter. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate this parameter and include arbitrary files from the server filesystem, creating a pathway for remote code execution. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration CWE-22 category, which classifies it as a weakness involving improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness enables attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the intended directory, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system compromise, or complete server takeover.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious value to the 'style' parameter, which is then processed by the vulnerable function without adequate sanitization or validation. The function fails to properly restrict file paths, allowing attackers to specify absolute or relative paths that point to system files or uploaded content. This creates an environment where attackers can include PHP files that may have been uploaded by other means, effectively bypassing normal access controls and executing arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other critical system resources that are normally protected by proper access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for WordPress installations using the affected Traveler theme. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring any prior credentials or access rights, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible websites. The vulnerability allows for complete compromise of the affected WordPress installation, potentially leading to full system takeover. Organizations running vulnerable systems face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. The exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers can target any website using the affected theme version, creating a widespread threat landscape. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate remediation, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to execute arbitrary code and access sensitive system information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-1771 should include immediate patching of the Traveler theme to version 3.1.9 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom code implementations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code fixes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other themes and plugins. System administrators should monitor for suspicious file uploads and access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for server-side includes and T1059.007 for PHP, demonstrating how attackers can leverage these specific attack vectors to achieve their objectives. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security updates to minimize the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation.