CVE-2025-53567
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability in the Ghost Kit WordPress plugin. Attackers can exploit improper filename control in include/require statements to read sensitive files on the server. All WordPress sites using Ghost Kit versions up to 3.4.1 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Ghost Kit 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 reading sensitive files like /etc/passwd, database credentials, or session files, potentially leading to remote code execution.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive server files containing configuration data, credentials, or user information.
If Mitigated
Limited information disclosure if file permissions are properly configured and sensitive files are protected.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple path traversal techniques can be used. Public exploit details are available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.4.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/ghostkit/vulnerability/wordpress-ghost-kit-3-4-1-local-file-inclusion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Ghost Kit and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 3.4.2 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Ghost Kit Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate ghost-kit
Restrict File Access
linuxConfigure web server to block access to sensitive directories
# In .htaccess for Apache:
<FilesMatch "\.(php|inc|conf|config|sql|log|txt)$">
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block LFI patterns and path traversal attempts
- Restrict plugin access to authenticated users only using WordPress access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Ghost Kit version. If version is 3.4.1 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get ghost-kit --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Ghost Kit version shows 3.4.2 or higher in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in access logs (e.g., ../../../etc/passwd)
- Multiple 404 errors for non-existent plugin files with traversal patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../) to Ghost Kit endpoints
- Unusual file extensions or paths in GET parameters
SIEM Query:
web_access_logs WHERE url CONTAINS 'ghost-kit' AND (url CONTAINS '../' OR url CONTAINS '..\\' OR url CONTAINS '%2e%2e%2f')