CVE-2025-30841
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in the Countdown & Clock WordPress plugin allows attackers to include arbitrary files from the server, potentially leading to remote code execution. It affects all versions up to 2.8.8 of the plugin. WordPress sites using this vulnerable plugin are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Countdown & Clock 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
Full server compromise through remote code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal data, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to website defacement, data theft, or installation of backdoors.
If Mitigated
Limited file disclosure or denial of service if execution is prevented but file inclusion succeeds.
🎯 Exploit Status
Path traversal allows file inclusion leading to RCE. Public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.8.9 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Countdown & Clock' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available, or manually update to version 2.8.9+. 5. Verify update completes successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Countdown & Clock plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate countdown-builder
Web server file restriction
linuxConfigure web server to block traversal attempts to plugin directories.
# Add to .htaccess for Apache:
<FilesMatch "\.(php|inc)$">
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
# For nginx add to server block:
location ~ /\. { deny all; }
location ~* \.(php|inc)$ { deny all; }
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately disable the Countdown & Clock plugin via WordPress admin or command line.
- Implement WAF rules to block path traversal patterns targeting the plugin endpoints.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress plugin version via admin panel or command: wp plugin list --name=countdown-builder --field=versionCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=countdown-builder --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 2.8.9 or higher using same command.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' or similar traversal patterns to plugin files
- Unexpected file inclusion attempts in web server logs
- PHP error logs showing file inclusion errors
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to paths like /wp-content/plugins/countdown-builder/ with traversal sequences
- Unusual POST/GET parameters attempting file inclusion
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*/countdown-builder/*") AND (status=200 OR status=500)