CVE-2025-63003
📋 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 North - Required Plugin from version 1.4.2 and earlier, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress North - Required 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 system control.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited code execution within web server context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file permissions are properly configured and sensitive files are outside web root.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple file path manipulation in HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.4.3 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'North - Required Plugin'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.4.3+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the North - Required Plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate north-plugin
Restrict file access
linuxConfigure web server to restrict access to sensitive directories
# Add to .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 file inclusion patterns
- Remove execute permissions from sensitive directories and restrict file system access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins for North - Required Plugin version ≤1.4.2Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=north-plugin --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.4.3 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in access logs (e.g., ../../../etc/passwd)
- Multiple 404 errors followed by successful file reads
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with unusual file path parameters
- Traffic patterns attempting directory traversal
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri="*../*" OR uri="*/etc/*" OR uri="*/proc/*") AND status=200