CVE-2025-54017 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability affecting the Cozmoslabs Paid Member Subscriptions plugin, specifically versions up to 2.15.4. This vulnerability allows for improper control of filenames within PHP include or require statements, leading to potential local file inclusion. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information, as attackers may exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary files on the server.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.5, reflecting a high severity level. This level of severity indicates a significant risk that organizations must take seriously. The vulnerability has not been confirmed to have publicly available exploit code, and it is categorized as deferred, which means that while it poses a risk, it may not yet be actively exploited in the wild.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential exploitation. The nature of the vulnerability implies that it could be exploited via network access, and user interaction is required for successful exploitation. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, it is crucial for organizations using the affected plugin to take swift action.
In summary, CVE-2025-54017 is a serious vulnerability that requires immediate attention from organizations utilizing the Cozmoslabs Paid Member Subscriptions plugin. Timely remediation will help mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-54017 stems from improper control of filenames for include or require statements in PHP, which can lead to local file inclusion. This issue affects versions of the Paid Member Subscriptions plugin from n/a to 2.15.4 and is classified under CWE-98 for improper control of filename. The vulnerability was published on August 20, 2025, and was identified by the source identifier audit@patchstack.com.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-54017 is the failure to properly validate the input for filenames used in PHP include/require statements. As a result, an attacker can manipulate the input to include arbitrary files from the server, leading to local file inclusion vulnerabilities. The attack vector is network-based, requiring high user interaction due to the necessity of convincing the user to trigger the malicious request.
The attack complexity is rated as high, meaning that successful exploitation requires specific conditions to be met. No privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers. The impacts of this vulnerability are severe, as it may lead to significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability issues, including exposure of sensitive files and potential remote code execution.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information and system compromise due to the exploitation of CVE-2025-54017. Given the nature of local file inclusion vulnerabilities, attackers may leverage this flaw to read files containing sensitive data, which could lead to further attacks. The blast radius for this vulnerability is significant, as it affects all users of the Cozmoslabs Paid Member Subscriptions plugin up to version 2.15.4.
Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation based on the CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level. The EPSS score of 0.00118 suggests a lower probability of exploitation in the wild, yet organizations should not underestimate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Cozmoslabs Paid Member Subscriptions up to and including 2.15.4 are affected. Organizations running this plugin should prioritize upgrading to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2025-54017, organizations should apply the latest patch to the Cozmoslabs Paid Member Subscriptions plugin. If immediate patching is not possible, organizations should implement workarounds such as disabling file inclusion features or restricting access to sensitive directories. Additionally, organizations may benefit from conducting a thorough security assessment to identify any other vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
For continuous security testing, organizations are encouraged to engage in continuous penetration testing to validate the security posture and discover potential weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect attempts to exploit CVE-2025-54017, organizations should monitor log files for unusual access patterns or requests that include unexpected file names. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in user activity, especially in relation to file access, should be closely observed. Network signatures associated with file inclusion attempts can also serve as indicators of compromise.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-54017 lies in its representation of the vulnerabilities present in widely used WordPress plugins. Security teams must remain vigilant as such vulnerabilities can lead to critical breaches if left unaddressed. The lessons learned from this incident highlight the importance of regular updates and security assessments for third-party software.
For further insights, organizations can explore our resources on penetration testing methodology and the importance of a robust vulnerability management program to proactively address security flaws.
Moreover, organizations can benefit from understanding API security testing as part of their overall security strategy.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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