CVE-2025-23948 in Background Animation Blocks Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in WebArea Background animation blocks allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects Background animation blocks: from n/a through 2.1.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23948 represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that specifically impacts the WebArea Background animation blocks plugin. This weakness stems from improper validation of filename parameters within include or require statements, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the execution flow of PHP applications. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into PHP include directives without adequate sanitization or validation measures.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths into the include statement, potentially enabling them to execute remote code or access local files on the server. This occurs because the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters before using them in PHP's include or require functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects versions ranging from n/a through 2.1.5, indicating a widespread impact across multiple iterations of the plugin. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that target the vulnerable include functionality, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to access sensitive server files, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected systems. This flaw directly relates to CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The implications are severe as this vulnerability can allow attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the web server and all associated data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-23948 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin versions, as the most effective defense against this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters that are used in include statements, ensuring that only predefined, safe file paths are accepted. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration settings through the use of allow_url_include = Off directive can provide an additional layer of protection. Network-based mitigations should include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious include patterns, while also monitoring for unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack, as this vulnerability type often indicates broader security gaps in application design and implementation practices.