CVE-2025-23915 in FAT Event Lite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Roninwp FAT Event Lite allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects FAT Event Lite: from n/a through 1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23915 represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw within the Roninwp FAT Event Lite plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through version 1.1. This weakness stems from improper validation of filename parameters in include or require statements, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the inclusion process and potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability operates at the core of PHP's dynamic inclusion mechanisms where user-supplied input directly influences which files are included in the execution context. When the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the filename parameter passed to include/require functions, it opens the door for attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can lead to unauthorized code execution. This flaw particularly affects the plugin's handling of file inclusion operations, where legitimate file paths may be substituted with malicious ones through parameter manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can control the filename parameter used in PHP's include or require statements within the FAT Event Lite plugin. The improper control of filename for include/require statements creates a direct pathway for Local File Inclusion attacks, where attackers can leverage the vulnerability to include local files that contain malicious code or to include remote files hosted on attacker-controlled servers. The attack vector typically involves manipulating URL parameters or form inputs that are then processed by the vulnerable plugin code. When the PHP application processes these parameters without proper validation, it allows the inclusion of files from unexpected locations, potentially leading to code execution, data theft, or complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper control of dynamic code generation or execution, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-23915 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass significant security implications for affected systems. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of the web server hosting the vulnerable plugin, allowing attackers to gain persistent access to the system and potentially escalate privileges. The vulnerability enables attackers to include malicious files that could contain backdoors, web shells, or other malicious payloads that maintain access even after the initial exploitation. Additionally, the impact includes potential data exfiltration, modification of sensitive files, and disruption of services. Organizations running affected versions of the FAT Event Lite plugin face risks of unauthorized access to their systems, which could lead to regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where the web server has elevated privileges or where the plugin is used in conjunction with other vulnerable components. The remote nature of the exploitation means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it especially dangerous for organizations without proper network segmentation or intrusion detection systems in place.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-23915 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the improper filename control issue. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters that influence file inclusion operations, ensuring that only predefined, safe file paths are accepted. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file inclusion parameters, where only specific, expected values are permitted, provides an effective defense against this type of vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The use of PHP's safe_mode or open_basedir restrictions can further limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting file access to predefined directories. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and plugins, while maintaining up-to-date vulnerability management processes to ensure rapid response to emerging threats. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on suspicious file inclusion patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating security policies to prevent similar issues in future development cycles, emphasizing secure coding practices for dynamic file operations.