CVE-2025-32151 in BuddyForms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/04/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Sven Lehnert BuddyForms allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects BuddyForms: from n/a through 2.8.15.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2025
The CVE-2025-32151 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that specifically targets the BuddyForms plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input that is directly incorporated into PHP include directives, fundamentally undermining the security boundaries of the application. The vulnerability affects all versions of BuddyForms from the initial release through version 2.8.15, indicating a prolonged exposure window that could have allowed extensive exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates input parameters that are subsequently used in PHP include or require statements without proper sanitization or validation. This flaw enables attackers to specify arbitrary file paths or URLs that will be included and executed by the PHP interpreter. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for local file inclusion attacks where malicious actors can access sensitive files on the server or execute remote code through carefully crafted requests. The improper control of filename parameters creates a direct code execution vector that bypasses normal access controls and authentication mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to WordPress installations running affected versions of BuddyForms. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors. The vulnerability's classification as PHP Local File Inclusion aligns with CWE-98, which describes the improper control of resource identifiers, and represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential privilege escalation and persistent access to compromised systems. Organizations running vulnerable versions face increased risk of data breaches, service disruption, and regulatory compliance violations.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the affected BuddyForms plugin to version 2.8.16 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent unsanitized user input from reaching include/require statements. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file inclusion patterns and attempts to access system files through the plugin interface. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and custom code implementations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for proper input validation and secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles.