CVE-2025-53442 in Rentic Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/18/2025
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in axiomthemes Rentic rentic allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Rentic: from n/a through <= 1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2025
The CVE-2025-53442 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that specifically impacts the axiomthemes Rentic rentic plugin version 1.1 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper validation of filename parameters in include/require statements, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary PHP code through crafted input. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied parameters that are directly used in PHP include functions without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the include path by injecting malicious file references, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution on the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category, which specifically addresses improper control of filename for include or require statements, making it a direct descendant of the well-known PHP local file inclusion attack vectors. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the entire plugin ecosystem, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server through the vulnerable include functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin accepts user input that gets directly incorporated into PHP include/require statements without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating parameters that control which files are included in the execution flow, potentially allowing them to include malicious PHP files from remote servers or local files on the target system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it allows for local file inclusion, meaning attackers can potentially access sensitive files on the server or execute code in the context of the web application. The specific nature of the vulnerability means that any parameter used in include/require statements that is not properly validated can become an attack vector, making the entire plugin codebase potentially susceptible to manipulation. This flaw directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1505.003 which involves the use of remote file inclusion to execute malicious code. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be achieved through simple parameter manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for systems where the plugin is installed and active.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-53442 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Once exploited, attackers can gain persistent access to the affected system, potentially using the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability enables attackers to read sensitive files, modify system configurations, and establish backdoors for continued access. The local file inclusion aspect means that attackers can potentially access configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive information stored on the server. This vulnerability also poses risks to the broader WordPress ecosystem since the compromised plugin could serve as an entry point for attacks on other components of the web application stack. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the plugin is widely used or where the affected servers contain sensitive data. Organizations may experience complete system compromise, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations depending on the nature of the compromised data. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-98 indicates that it represents a fundamental flaw in input validation that has been consistently exploited across various web applications, making it a particularly dangerous weakness in the security posture of affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-53442 should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin version and implementation of proper input validation controls. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the Rentic plugin, as this directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper parameter validation and sanitization for all include/require statements within their PHP applications, ensuring that user input is properly validated before being used in file inclusion operations. Additional security measures include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities in PHP configuration, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting thorough security audits of all plugin and theme components. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles can also limit the damage that could result from successful exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and anomalous system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and restricting file inclusion to predetermined, trusted paths only. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defensive measures should be implemented at multiple layers including network perimeter controls, application-level input validation, and server configuration hardening to provide comprehensive protection against exploitation attempts.