CVE-2025-32589 in Flexi Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in odude Flexi – Guest Submit allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects Flexi – Guest Submit: from n/a through 4.28.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2025
The CVE-2025-32589 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw in the odude Flexi – Guest Submit plugin, which operates under the broader category of improper control of filename for include/require statements. This vulnerability falls squarely within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-98, which specifically addresses the improper control of filename for include/require statements, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to execute arbitrary code through malicious file inclusion techniques. The vulnerability exists in versions of the plugin ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 4.28, indicating a prolonged exposure window that could have allowed extensive exploitation across multiple iterations of the software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input that is subsequently used in PHP include or require statements. When the plugin processes guest submissions or other user-generated content, it accepts parameters that directly influence the file inclusion mechanism without adequate sanitization or validation. This creates an environment where an attacker can manipulate the input to include arbitrary local or remote files, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially executing malicious code with the privileges of the web server. The vulnerability specifically enables PHP Local File Inclusion which allows attackers to leverage the include functionality to load local files on the server, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive information stored within the web application, including user credentials, database connection details, or other confidential data. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability is present in the guest submission functionality, which typically operates with minimal input validation and is designed to accept user-generated content. This makes it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for Server-side Include demonstrates its potential for server-side code execution and persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all parameters used in include/require statements. The recommended approach involves implementing strict whitelisting of allowed file paths or using absolute paths with proper validation before any file inclusion occurs. System administrators should ensure that the plugin is updated to the latest version where this vulnerability has been addressed, and in cases where immediate updates are not feasible, implementing web application firewalls or security headers to restrict file inclusion patterns. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the web server operates with minimal necessary permissions and that all file inclusion operations are properly sandboxed to prevent access to sensitive system files. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the CWE guidelines, emphasizing the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing remote code execution vulnerabilities.