CVE-2025-52716
📋 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 WP REST Cache plugin, potentially leading to sensitive file disclosure or code execution. All users of WP REST Cache versions up to 2025.1.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WP REST Cache 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
No impact if proper file permissions, web server restrictions, and security controls prevent file inclusion.
🎯 Exploit Status
Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities typically have low complexity exploitation. No public exploit code identified yet.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2025.1.1 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP REST Cache and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify update to version 2025.1.1 or later.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WP REST Cache Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate wp-rest-cache
Restrict PHP File Inclusion
linuxConfigure PHP to disable allow_url_include and restrict open_basedir
allow_url_include = Off
open_basedir = /var/www/html
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file permissions and implement strict access controls on sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > WP REST Cache version. If version is 2025.1.0 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get wp-rest-cache --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify WP REST Cache plugin version is 2025.1.1 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in web server logs
- PHP include/require errors with suspicious file paths
- Multiple requests to wp-rest-cache endpoints with file parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file inclusion patterns (../, /etc/passwd, etc.)
- Unusual traffic to wp-rest-cache API endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*wp-rest-cache*" AND (uri="*..*" OR uri="*/etc/*" OR uri="*file=*"))