CVE-2025-23945 in Popliup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in NotFound Popliup allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects Popliup: from n/a through 1.1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
The CVE-2025-23945 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through improper control of filename parameters in include/require statements. This vulnerability specifically impacts the NotFound Popliup application, affecting versions ranging from the initial release through 1.1.1, making it a persistent security weakness that could have been exploited across multiple iterations of the software. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization when processing user-supplied filenames that are subsequently used in PHP include or require directives, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute remote code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application accepts user input without proper sanitization and directly incorporates it into PHP include statements. When a malicious user provides a crafted filename parameter, the application processes this input and passes it to the PHP interpreter, which then attempts to include and execute the specified file. This flaw allows attackers to leverage local file inclusion techniques to access sensitive system files, execute arbitrary code, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper control of filename for include/require statements, and represents a variant of the broader PHP Remote File Inclusion attack pattern documented in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1505.003 for server-side include attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with potential full system compromise capabilities. An attacker could exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the server, access sensitive data, escalate privileges, or establish persistent access through backdoor installations. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution means that unauthorized users could gain complete control over affected systems without requiring legitimate credentials. This presents significant risks to data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, particularly in environments where the Popliup application is deployed with elevated privileges or handles sensitive information. The impact extends beyond immediate exploitation to include potential lateral movement within network environments and establishment of persistent threat presence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-23945 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters that are used in include/require statements, ensuring that only predetermined, safe values are accepted. Organizations should disable remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations and implement whitelisting mechanisms for file access. Additionally, the application should be updated to versions that address this vulnerability, and developers should adopt secure coding practices that avoid dynamic include statements with user-controllable inputs. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous file access patterns, while regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The mitigation approach should align with industry best practices for secure coding and follow the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.