CVE-2025-23422 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.5. This vulnerability allows improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly referred to as 'Path Traversal'. Specifically, it affects the moaluko Store Locator plugin, allowing attackers to perform PHP Local File Inclusion. The vulnerability affects versions up to and including 3.98.10 and presents serious risks to organizations that utilize this plugin.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive files, which could lead to data breaches and further exploitation. Given its high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should address this issue in their priority patch cycle. The vulnerability was published on January 24, 2025, and has been classified as deferred, suggesting that while it poses a risk, the urgency level may not be at the most critical stage.
As of now, no public exploits have been confirmed, and the vulnerability is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) framework. However, the exploitability score indicates that it is a significant concern that could potentially be leveraged by attackers if left unaddressed.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Ensuring that all affected systems are updated to the latest version will be crucial in preventing any potential unauthorized access.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability indicates that it allows improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, leading to a potential PHP Local File Inclusion. The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, with an attack vector classified as NETWORK, high attack complexity, and no privileges required for exploitation.
The vulnerability affects the moaluko Store Locator plugin, specifically versions up to and including 3.98.10. The Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification for this vulnerability is CWE-22. Organizations using this plugin should take immediate action to ensure they are not using affected versions.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of file paths, allowing an attacker to traverse directories and access sensitive files on the server. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without physical access to the server.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, as the attacker must trick the user into accessing a crafted URL. The attack complexity is rated as high due to the need for specific conditions to be met for successful exploitation. However, the potential impact is severe, with confidentiality, integrity, and availability all rated as high.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk posed by CVE-2025-23422 is significant, as it allows attackers to potentially access and manipulate sensitive data residing on the server. The ability to include local files can lead to further exploitation, including remote code execution or data leakage. Organizations using the affected Store Locator plugin should understand that the blast radius for this vulnerability can be extensive, particularly if the compromised system has access to other sensitive resources.
Urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The low EPSS score suggests a relatively low probability of exploitation, but the potential consequences of a successful attack warrant immediate attention.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the moaluko Store Locator plugin are all versions up to and including 3.98.10. Organizations should ensure they are using a patched version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should update the moaluko Store Locator plugin to the latest version available. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the affected directories and monitoring for suspicious access patterns.
For more information on how to approach this vulnerability, organizations can refer to our application security assessment services to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, particularly those attempting to access files outside of the expected directory structure. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected file reads or inclusions, should also be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-23422 highlights a persistent pattern of vulnerabilities related to path traversal and local file inclusion in web applications. Security teams should take this as a strategic reminder to regularly audit their applications for similar weaknesses.
Organizations can enhance their security posture by proactively engaging in penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar threats before they can be exploited.
For further insights on managing cybersecurity risks, organizations should consider implementing a vulnerability management program to ensure ongoing protection against evolving threats.
Additionally, leveraging mobile app penetration testing best practices can further bolster defenses.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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