CVE-2025-2158
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to perform Local File Inclusion attacks in the WordPress Review Plugin. Attackers can include and execute arbitrary PHP files on the server, potentially leading to remote code execution, data theft, or privilege escalation. All WordPress sites using this plugin version 5.3.5 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Review Plugin: The Ultimate Solution for Building a Review Website
⚠️ 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
Full server compromise via remote code execution leading to data exfiltration, backdoor installation, or complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Unauthorized file access, sensitive data disclosure, or limited code execution within the web server context.
If Mitigated
Attack limited to authenticated users only, with proper file upload restrictions preventing PHP file inclusion.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once credentials are obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.3.6 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/wp-review/tags/5.3.6
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Review Plugin: The Ultimate Solution for Building a Review Website'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 5.3.6+ from WordPress plugin repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate wp-review
Restrict User Roles
allRemove Contributor and higher roles from untrusted users.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file upload restrictions to block PHP files
- Enable web application firewall with LFI protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin under Plugins > Installed PluginsCheck Version:
wp plugin get wp-review --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 5.3.6 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file inclusion attempts in web server logs
- POST requests to plugin files with file path parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file path traversal patterns to plugin endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="web_server.logs" AND ("wp-review" OR "includes/functions.php") AND (".." OR "file=" OR "path=")