CVE-2025-47496
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP include/require statements. It affects all WordPress sites running PublishPress Authors plugin versions up to 4.7.5, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- PublishPress Authors 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 file disclosure (config files, passwords), and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (wp-config.php, /etc/passwd), limited code execution through log poisoning or file upload, and potential privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper file permissions, disabled PHP execution in upload directories, and security plugins blocking malicious requests.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public proof-of-concept code exists demonstrating file inclusion.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.7.6 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find PublishPress Authors and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 4.7.6 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate publishpress-authors
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock requests containing local file inclusion patterns
Add WAF rule: Block requests with '..', '../', or file:// in query parameters
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories)
- Disable PHP execution in upload directories via .htaccess or nginx configuration
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → PublishPress Authors version. If version ≤ 4.7.5, vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get publishpress-authors --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 4.7.6 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with '..', '../', or file:// patterns in query strings
- Multiple 200/500 responses to unusual file paths
- Access to sensitive files like wp-config.php
Network Indicators:
- Unusual file path requests to plugin endpoints
- Requests with PHP wrappers (php://input, file://)
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*publishpress-authors*" AND (query="*..*" OR query="*file://*"))