CVE-2025-22656 in Cookie Monster Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Oscar Alvarez Cookie Monster allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects Cookie Monster: from n/a through 1.2.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2025
The CVE-2025-22656 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that enables attackers to manipulate include/require statements within the Oscar Alvarez Cookie Monster plugin. This vulnerability exists due to improper validation of filename parameters passed to PHP's include or require functions, creating an avenue for remote code execution through malicious file inclusion attacks. The issue specifically impacts versions of the Cookie Monster plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.2.2, indicating a prolonged exposure window that could have allowed extensive exploitation. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in dynamic include statements, which directly violates fundamental secure coding practices for preventing code injection attacks.
This flaw operates at the intersection of several cybersecurity domains including web application security and server-side vulnerability exploitation. The technical implementation of the vulnerability allows an attacker to supply a malicious filename parameter that gets directly processed by PHP's include/require functions without adequate validation or sanitization. When the plugin processes user input through a vulnerable include statement, it creates a path for remote attackers to load and execute arbitrary PHP code from external locations, potentially enabling full server compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement, and represents a classic example of insecure input handling in web applications. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including crafted URLs, form submissions, or API endpoints that pass user data to the vulnerable include functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-22656 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as a local file inclusion issue means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem, potentially accessing configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information stored locally. This attack pattern fits within the ATT&CK framework under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, with potential lateral movement capabilities once initial access is achieved. The prolonged exposure window from version to 1.2.2 suggests that organizations running affected plugin versions may have been unknowingly compromised for extended periods, creating potential for extensive data loss or system manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-22656 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest version of the Cookie Monster plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, as this represents the most direct solution to the issue. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures at all points where user data enters the system can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. Security configurations should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP settings through the use of allow_url_include=Off directive, which would prevent the exploitation of this particular vulnerability even if other safeguards fail. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious include patterns and blocking known malicious payloads. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins or applications, ensuring that the security posture remains robust against evolving threat landscapes. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software inventory and implementing automated patch management processes to reduce exposure windows for known vulnerabilities.