CVE-2025-12497
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP files on WordPress servers running the vulnerable Premium Portfolio Features for Phlox theme plugin. Attackers can achieve remote code execution, bypass access controls, and access sensitive data. All WordPress sites using this plugin up to version 2.3.10 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Premium Portfolio Features for Phlox theme plugin for WordPress
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server compromise leading to data theft, malware deployment, website defacement, and lateral movement to other systems.
Likely Case
Website takeover, data exfiltration, and backdoor installation for persistent access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file uploads are restricted and server permissions are properly configured.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward via HTTP requests to the vulnerable parameter.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.3.11 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3388727/auxin-portfolio
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Premium Portfolio Features for Phlox' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.3.11+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate auxin-portfolio
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock requests containing the vulnerable parameter
WAF rule: Block if request contains 'args[extra_template_path]'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file upload restrictions to prevent PHP file uploads
- Apply principle of least privilege to web server user accounts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin panel under Plugins > Installed PluginsCheck Version:
wp plugin get auxin-portfolio --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 2.3.11 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing 'args[extra_template_path]' parameter
- Unusual file inclusion attempts in web server logs
Network Indicators:
- POST/GET requests to WordPress endpoints with suspicious file paths
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND "args[extra_template_path]"