CVE-2025-23952
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through the WordPress custom-field-list-widget plugin. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute code by manipulating file inclusion parameters. This affects WordPress sites using custom-field-list-widget plugin versions up to 1.5.1.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress custom-field-list-widget 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, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure including configuration files, database credentials, and user data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions and security controls preventing code execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of PHP file inclusion vulnerabilities and WordPress plugin structure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.5.1
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'custom-field-list-widget'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update, deactivate and delete plugin.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allDeactivate the custom-field-list-widget plugin to remove attack surface
Restrict file permissions
linuxSet strict file permissions on sensitive directories and configuration files
chmod 600 wp-config.php
chmod 755 wp-content/plugins/
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict plugin functionality to authenticated users only if possible
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for custom-field-list-widget version 1.5.1 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=custom-field-list-widget --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is higher than 1.5.1 or plugin is removed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP include/require statements
- Multiple failed attempts to access sensitive files
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with suspicious file path parameters
- Patterns of file inclusion attempts
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND ("include" OR "require") AND (".." OR "/etc/" OR "/proc/")