CVE-2025-53281
📋 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 WPB Category Slider for WooCommerce plugin. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- WPB Category Slider for WooCommerce 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
Remote code execution leading to complete server compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Local file inclusion allowing reading of sensitive files like wp-config.php containing database credentials.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file permissions and web server configurations restrict file access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit requires web access to vulnerable WordPress site. Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.72 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'WPB Category Slider for WooCommerce'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.72+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the plugin until patched version is available
wp plugin deactivate wpb-woocommerce-category-slider
Restrict PHP file functions
allConfigure PHP to disable dangerous functions via php.ini
disable_functions = include,require,include_once,require_once
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file system permissions and implement strict access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins for WPB Category Slider version. If version is 1.71 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get wpb-woocommerce-category-slider --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.72 or later in WordPress admin panel. Test functionality remains working.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in web server logs
- Multiple requests to plugin files with file parameter variations
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing file inclusion patterns to plugin endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="*wpb-woocommerce-category-slider*" AND (param="*file*" OR param="*include*" OR param="*require*"))