CVE-2025-49271
📋 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 GravityWP - Merge Tags plugin. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- GravityWP - Merge Tags 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, data theft, 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 is straightforward with publicly available proof-of-concept. No authentication required.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.4.5 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find GravityWP - Merge Tags. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.4.5+ from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the GravityWP - Merge Tags plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate gravitywp-merge-tags
Web Application Firewall rule
allBlock requests containing local file inclusion patterns
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions (644 for files, 755 for directories)
- Disable dangerous PHP functions (allow_url_include, allow_url_fopen) in php.ini
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → GravityWP - Merge Tags → Version. If version is 1.4.4 or earlier, vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get gravitywp-merge-tags --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.4.5 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in PHP error logs
- Requests with file inclusion parameters (include, require, php://)
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file path traversal patterns
- Suspicious parameter values in plugin-related endpoints
SIEM Query:
web_access_logs WHERE uri CONTAINS 'gravitywp-merge-tags' AND (params CONTAINS 'include' OR params CONTAINS 'require' OR params CONTAINS 'php://')