CVE-2025-53207 in WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in WP Travel WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks allows PHP Local File Inclusion. This issue affects WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks: from n/a through 3.9.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2025
The vulnerability described represents a critical improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP applications, commonly classified as PHP Remote File Inclusion or Local File Inclusion. This weakness occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into PHP include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive files on the server. The vulnerability specifically impacts the WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks plugin, affecting versions from an unspecified starting point through 3.9.0, indicating a potentially long-standing exposure window.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user input that is subsequently used in PHP include/require functions. This allows attackers to manipulate file paths passed to these functions, potentially enabling them to include local files or remote files from malicious servers. When user-controlled parameters are directly embedded into include statements without proper input validation, the system becomes vulnerable to exploitation. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-98, which specifically addresses improper control of filename for include or require statements, and represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and sanitization practices within the application's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly within the WordPress ecosystem where plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors. The vulnerability also enables unauthorized access to local files that should remain protected, including configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a high-value target as it can be exploited to gain persistent access to the WordPress installation and potentially extend compromise to other systems within the network.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. Attackers may use this vulnerability to establish a foothold in the WordPress environment and then move laterally to other systems or maintain access through backdoor installation. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers the use of web shell or file inclusion techniques for maintaining access. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface assessment, particularly when evaluating the security posture of WordPress installations with multiple plugins, as the exposure window extends across multiple versions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the vulnerability, as well as implementing proper input validation and sanitization practices throughout the application code. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit file inclusion vulnerabilities. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web server processes run with minimal necessary permissions and that sensitive files are properly protected. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on include/require statement usage can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future development cycles, while adherence to secure coding practices and OWASP Top Ten guidelines should be maintained to reduce overall risk exposure.