CVE-2025-48126
📋 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 Essential Real Estate plugin, potentially leading to sensitive file disclosure or code execution. All sites running vulnerable versions of the plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Essential Real Estate WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete server compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are restrictive and web server runs with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending crafted requests to vulnerable endpoints. Public proof-of-concept demonstrates file inclusion.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.2.2 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Essential Real Estate plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. Alternatively, download version 5.2.2+ from WordPress repository and manually replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate essential-real-estate
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock requests containing path traversal sequences in parameters.
# Example mod_security rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,deny,status:403"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (webroot files read-only, configuration files outside webroot)
- Deploy web application firewall with LFI detection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Essential Real Estate for version number. If version is 5.2.1 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get essential-real-estate --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 5.2.2 or later in WordPress admin panel. Test vulnerable endpoints with path traversal payloads should return errors, not file contents.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with ../ sequences in parameters
- PHP include/require warnings for unexpected files
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd in web logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual GET/POST requests with file path parameters
- Responses containing system file contents
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR params="*../*")