CVE-2025-22364: Ach Invoice App LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2025-22364 Overview

CVE-2025-22364 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Ach Invoice App WordPress plugin by Service Shogun. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename for include/require statements in PHP programs, classified under CWE-98 (PHP Remote File Inclusion). This flaw allows attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, or in some scenarios, remote code execution through log file poisoning or other chaining techniques.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this Local File Inclusion vulnerability to read sensitive server files, access configuration data, and potentially achieve code execution on affected WordPress installations.

Affected Products

• Service Shogun Ach Invoice App WordPress Plugin version 1.0.1 and earlier
• WordPress installations with the ach-invoice-app plugin installed

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-01-07 - CVE-2025-22364 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-22364

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists due to improper validation and sanitization of user-supplied input that is used in PHP include() or require() statements within the Ach Invoice App plugin. When file paths are constructed using untrusted input without proper validation, attackers can manipulate the path to include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins are particularly dangerous because they can expose critical configuration files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and security keys. Additionally, attackers may leverage directory traversal sequences (e.g., ../) to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access sensitive system files.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-22364 is the absence of proper input validation and sanitization on user-controllable parameters that are passed to PHP's file inclusion functions. The plugin fails to restrict the allowed file paths or validate that the included file resides within an expected directory, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths using relative path traversal sequences.

Attack Vector

Exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves an attacker crafting a malicious request that includes directory traversal sequences to escape the intended directory and target sensitive files. Common targets include:

• WordPress configuration files (../../../wp-config.php)
• System files on Linux servers (/etc/passwd)
• Application log files that may contain injected PHP code
• Other plugin or theme files containing sensitive logic

The attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint, manipulating the file path parameter to include unauthorized files. The server then processes the include statement with the malicious path, reading and potentially executing the targeted file content.

For detailed technical analysis and proof-of-concept information, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22364

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, ....//) targeting the Ach Invoice App plugin endpoints
• Web server access logs showing requests attempting to access /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or other sensitive files through plugin parameters
• Unexpected file access attempts logged by file integrity monitoring systems

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block directory traversal patterns in request parameters
• Monitor web server logs for requests containing path traversal sequences targeting the ach-invoice-app plugin directory
• Implement file access monitoring to detect unauthorized read attempts on sensitive configuration files
• Use WordPress security plugins to scan for known vulnerable plugin versions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed access logging on web servers and monitor for anomalous request patterns targeting plugin endpoints
• Configure alerting for any attempts to access wp-config.php or system files through HTTP requests
• Implement real-time log analysis to detect exploitation attempts against LFI vulnerabilities
• Regularly audit installed WordPress plugins against known vulnerability databases

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22364

Immediate Actions Required

• Deactivate and remove the Ach Invoice App plugin (ach-invoice-app) from WordPress installations immediately
• Audit web server logs for signs of exploitation attempts or successful file inclusion attacks
• Review system and WordPress configuration files for potential exposure or unauthorized access
• Consider using a WordPress security plugin to scan for indicators of compromise

Patch Information

As of the published vulnerability data, all versions of the Ach Invoice App plugin through version 1.0.1 are affected. Users should check the WordPress plugin repository or the vendor for any updated versions that address this vulnerability. Until a patch is available, removing the plugin is the recommended remediation approach.

For the latest patch status, consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Remove or deactivate the Ach Invoice App plugin until a security patch is released
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing directory traversal sequences targeting the plugin
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of successful file inclusion attacks
• Use open_basedir PHP directive to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory

# Example: Add open_basedir restriction in php.ini or .htaccess
# Restricts PHP file access to WordPress directory and temp folders
php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html/wordpress:/tmp:/usr/share/php