CVE-2025-53328
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through the WordPress Poll, Survey & Quiz Maker Plugin by Opinion Stage. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code by manipulating file inclusion parameters. All WordPress sites using affected versions of this plugin are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Poll, Survey & Quiz Maker Plugin by Opinion Stage (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 leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or complete site takeover through arbitrary code execution.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, user data) and limited code execution within the web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are restrictive and web server runs with minimal privileges, though information disclosure remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending crafted HTTP requests to vulnerable endpoints. Public proof-of-concept code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 19.11.1 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Poll, Survey & Quiz Maker Plugin by Opinion Stage'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 19.11.1+ from WordPress repository and manually replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate social-polls-by-opinionstage
Web Application Firewall Rule
linuxBlock requests containing local file inclusion patterns
ModSecurity rule: SecRule ARGS "\.\./" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Local File Inclusion Attempt'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the plugin completely from the WordPress installation
- Implement strict file system permissions to limit web server access to sensitive directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins for 'Poll, Survey & Quiz Maker Plugin by Opinion Stage' version 19.11.0 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get social-polls-by-opinionstage --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 19.11.1 or later in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with parameters containing '../' sequences
- Access to unusual PHP files or configuration files from web requests
- Errors in PHP logs related to file inclusion failures
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET/POST requests with file path traversal in parameters
- Unusual file extensions in URL parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR params="*../*") AND user_agent!="*scanner*"