CVE-2026-25017 in NaturaLife Extensions Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2026
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in stmcan NaturaLife Extensions naturalife-extensions allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects NaturaLife Extensions: from n/a through <= 2.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2026
The CVE-2026-25017 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw that specifically targets the stmcan NaturaLife Extensions plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of improper control of filename for include/require statements, which is classified as CWE-98 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the include/require functionality in PHP code, allowing them to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The vulnerability specifically impacts the naturalife-extensions plugin, with affected versions ranging from the initial release through version 2.1, making it a widespread concern for users of this particular WordPress extension.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is used in PHP include/require statements. Attackers can manipulate parameters that control file inclusion paths, potentially allowing them to load malicious files from remote servers or local system directories. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The flaw operates by bypassing normal input validation mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized file access, creating a direct pathway for remote code execution through the WordPress plugin architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. Successful exploitation could result in complete administrative control over the affected website, data breaches, defacement, or the installation of additional malware. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects a WordPress plugin, which means that any website using this extension becomes vulnerable to attack. This creates a significant risk for website owners who may not be actively monitoring or updating their plugins, as the vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools that target known WordPress vulnerabilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning because WordPress plugins are often less secure than core WordPress components, and many users do not regularly update their plugin installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-25017 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the vulnerability, as well as implementing additional security measures to protect against similar flaws. Organizations should ensure that all WordPress plugins are kept up to date with the latest security patches, and that proper input validation is implemented in all PHP applications. The use of security headers, web application firewalls, and regular security audits can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege and restricting file inclusion paths can significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how such flaws can enable attackers to move laterally within compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar issues in their codebase and monitor for exploitation attempts against known vulnerabilities.