CVE-2025-30870 in WP Travel Engine Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in WP Travel Engine WP Travel Engine allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects WP Travel Engine: from n/a through 6.3.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2025
The CVE-2025-30870 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that fundamentally compromises the security posture of the WP Travel Engine plugin. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of improper control of filename for include/require statements, which is classified as CWE-98 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is subsequently used in PHP include or require statements, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation mechanisms before processing user-provided filenames or paths. When the WP Travel Engine processes requests that contain unfiltered input parameters, the system may inadvertently execute code from remote servers or local files that an attacker has crafted. This occurs because the plugin directly incorporates user-controllable data into include/require directives without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths or URLs that get executed as PHP code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary PHP code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects versions of WP Travel Engine from an unspecified starting point through 6.3.5, indicating that a significant portion of users may be exposed to this risk. This includes not only the core plugin functionality but also any additional features that depend on the vulnerable include mechanisms, potentially affecting the entire WordPress ecosystem where the plugin is installed.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and execution techniques, particularly focusing on the use of remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload malicious files, establish command and control channels, and perform reconnaissance activities on the compromised system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where the plugin is widely deployed, as it provides a single point of entry that can be exploited across multiple installations. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege, as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute code with the privileges of the web server process.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-30870 must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of WP Travel Engine beyond 6.3.5, as this directly resolves the underlying input validation issues. Organizations should also implement proper input sanitization mechanisms, including the use of allowlists for file inclusion operations and the implementation of strict validation routines for all user-provided data. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious include/require patterns. The implementation of proper security headers and the restriction of file inclusion capabilities through php.ini settings can provide additional layers of defense. Regular security audits and code reviews should specifically target include/require statement usage to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles, aligning with the security best practices outlined in industry standards and frameworks.