CVE-2025-23948
📋 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 Background Animation Blocks plugin versions up to 2.1.5, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Background Animation Blocks 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
Full server compromise through Local File Inclusion leading to Remote Code Execution, sensitive file disclosure (config files, passwords), and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of sensitive server files (wp-config.php, /etc/passwd), partial code execution through log poisoning, or limited file read access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper file permissions, disabled PHP execution in upload directories, and web application firewall rules blocking suspicious include patterns.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of PHP LFI techniques and may need authentication depending on vulnerable endpoint.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 2.1.6 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Background Animation Blocks'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update shows, manually download version 2.1.6+ from WordPress.org and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
WordPressTemporarily disable the Background Animation Blocks plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate background-animation-blocks
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock requests containing directory traversal sequences in parameters
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove plugin entirely if not essential
- Implement strict file permissions (chmod 644 for PHP files, 755 for directories)
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Background Animation Blocks → Version. If version is 2.1.5 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get background-animation-blocks --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After update, verify plugin version shows 2.1.6 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file include patterns in PHP error logs
- Requests with ../ sequences in parameters
- Access to sensitive files like wp-config.php from web requests
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing directory traversal sequences (../, ..\)
- Requests to plugin-specific endpoints with file parameters
SIEM Query:
source="*access.log*" AND (uri="*background-animation*" AND (param="*../*" OR param="*..\*"))