CVE-2025-22305
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects WordPress sites using the Hero Banner Ultimate plugin versions up to 1.4.2. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute code depending on server configuration.
💻 Affected Systems
- Hero Banner Ultimate WordPress Plugin
⚠️ 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
Remote code execution leading to complete server compromise, data theft, or website defacement if PHP wrappers allow remote file inclusion.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion allowing reading of sensitive server files like configuration files, logs, or password files.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions restrict access to sensitive files and PHP configuration disables dangerous functions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal or file inclusion attacks can exploit this vulnerability. Public proof-of-concept exists in vulnerability databases.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.4.3 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Hero Banner Ultimate plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update available, deactivate and delete plugin, then install fresh version from WordPress repository.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Hero Banner Ultimate plugin until patched version is available.
wp plugin deactivate hero-banner-ultimate
Restrict PHP file functions
allModify php.ini to disable allow_url_include and restrict include_path
allow_url_include = Off
include_path = "."
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file permissions on sensitive directories and implement strict access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Hero Banner Ultimate version number. If version is 1.4.2 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=hero-banner-ultimate --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.4.3 or higher in WordPress admin panel. Test file inclusion attempts should fail.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in web server logs (e.g., ../../../etc/passwd)
- Multiple failed include/require attempts
- Requests to plugin files with unusual parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../)
- Requests to plugin PHP files with file parameter
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND (uri="*hero-banner-ultimate*" AND (query="*file=*" OR query="*include=*" OR query="*../*"))