CVE-2025-32141
📋 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 running MasterStudy LMS plugin versions up to 3.5.23, potentially leading to sensitive file disclosure or remote code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- MasterStudy LMS 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 local file inclusion leading to remote code execution, sensitive data exposure, and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials), limited code execution, and potential privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions, web application firewalls, and restricted PHP functions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires minimal technical skill. Public proof-of-concept available through security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.5.24 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find MasterStudy LMS plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 3.5.24+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable endpoints via .htaccess
linuxBlock access to vulnerable PHP files using web server configuration
# Add to .htaccess in WordPress root directory
<FilesMatch "\.(php|inc)$">
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
<Files "specific-vulnerable-file.php">
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</Files>
PHP configuration hardening
allRestrict PHP functions and disable dangerous settings
# Add to php.ini or .user.ini
disable_functions = allow_url_fopen,allow_url_include
open_basedir = /var/www/html/
safe_mode = On
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) with LFI protection rules
- Implement strict file permissions and disable PHP execution in upload directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → MasterStudy LMS version. If version is 3.5.23 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=masterstudy-lms --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 3.5.24 or higher in WordPress admin panel. Test vulnerable endpoints with controlled payloads.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file include patterns in PHP error logs
- Requests to plugin files with ../ sequences
- Access to sensitive system files from web requests
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../)
- Requests to plugin PHP files with unusual parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*masterstudy*" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*php*"))