CVE-2025-30992 in Puca Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in thembay Puca allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects Puca: from n/a through 2.6.33.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2025
The CVE-2025-30992 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that fundamentally compromises the security posture of the thembay Puca application. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of filename parameters in include or require statements, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code through manipulated file inclusion directives. The flaw specifically impacts versions of Puca ranging from the initial release through version 2.6.33, indicating a prolonged exposure window that likely allowed numerous potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability operates by allowing untrusted input to directly influence the file inclusion mechanism, bypassing normal security controls that should prevent external file access.
This security weakness directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper control of code execution through file inclusion mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage the LFI (Local File Inclusion) capability to access sensitive system files, execute malicious payloads, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. The improper handling of user-supplied input in include statements creates a direct path for attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow and access unauthorized resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities by accessing system files such as configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive information stored locally on the server. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct URL manipulation, parameter injection, or through crafted API requests that pass malicious filenames to the vulnerable include statements. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, deploy backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance to identify additional vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it from external networks without requiring local system access, significantly expanding the attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-30992 must focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent untrusted data from influencing file inclusion operations. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the latest available version of Puca that addresses this vulnerability, while implementing proper parameter validation and whitelisting of acceptable file names. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of allowlists for file inclusion, disabling remote file inclusion capabilities, and employing proper input sanitization techniques can effectively neutralize this threat. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.