CVE-2025-9991 in Tiny Bootstrap Elements Light Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2025
The Tiny Bootstrap Elements Light plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 4.3.34 via the 'language' parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary .php files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where .php file types can be uploaded and included.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2025
The Tiny Bootstrap Elements Light plugin for WordPress presents a critical local file inclusion vulnerability that affects all versions up to and including 4.3.34. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's handling of the 'language' parameter, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The flaw resides in the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file operations, enabling malicious actors to craft requests that traverse the file system and include arbitrary PHP files. This vulnerability operates at the core of WordPress plugin architecture where parameter validation should prevent unauthorized file access patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a standard local file inclusion attack pattern where an attacker crafts a malicious request containing a path traversal sequence or direct file reference in the language parameter. When the plugin processes this parameter without proper validation, it executes a file inclusion operation that can pull in any PHP file accessible to the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication, making it accessible to any attacker with knowledge of the plugin's existence. The attack chain typically involves uploading a malicious PHP file to a location that can be referenced through the language parameter, or directly including existing PHP files that contain malicious code, effectively bypassing WordPress's normal security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass access controls that normally protect sensitive plugin files, database credentials, or configuration data stored in PHP files. The vulnerability enables data exfiltration by allowing attackers to read sensitive files such as wp-config.php, database connection details, or user credential files that are typically protected by proper file permissions. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code opens pathways for persistent backdoor installation, privilege escalation, and further exploitation of the compromised WordPress installation. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-94 Code Injection, representing a convergence of file system manipulation and code execution flaws.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action through plugin updates to versions that properly validate and sanitize the language parameter input. System administrators should implement input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal patterns in URL parameters. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems should monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns that indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes disabling the vulnerable plugin immediately while awaiting patches, implementing strict file permission controls to limit web server access to only necessary files, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all installed WordPress plugins. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized file inclusion attempts and provide real-time alerts for potential exploitation activities. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date WordPress plugins and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against common exploitation patterns described in the ATT&CK framework's technique T1505.003 for Server-side Injection and T1078 for Valid Accounts to prevent unauthorized access and maintain system integrity.