CVE-2025-68996
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper filename control in PHP's include/require statements. It affects WordPress installations using the Responsive Posts Carousel Pro plugin, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure or code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- Responsive Posts Carousel Pro 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, 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
No impact if proper file permissions and security controls prevent unauthorized file access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple HTTP requests can trigger the vulnerability. Public exploit details available in security advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 15.2 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Responsive Posts Carousel Pro'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 15.2+ from vendor and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate responsive-posts-carousel-pro
Restrict File Access
linuxConfigure web server to restrict access to sensitive directories
# In Apache .htaccess:
<FilesMatch "\.(php|inc|conf|ini)$">
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block LFI patterns
- Restrict plugin to internal network access only and remove from internet-facing systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress plugin version in admin panel or examine /wp-content/plugins/responsive-posts-carousel-pro/readme.txt for version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin get responsive-posts-carousel-pro --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 15.2 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file path patterns in web server logs
- Multiple requests to plugin files with path traversal parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' or absolute paths in parameters
- Requests to plugin endpoints with unusual file extensions
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="*responsive-posts-carousel-pro*" AND (param="*../*" OR param="*/etc/*" OR param="*C:*"))