CVE-2025-22656: Cookie Monster LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2025-22656 Overview

CVE-2025-22656 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Cookie Monster WordPress plugin developed by Oscar Alvarez. The vulnerability arises from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server's filesystem.

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program), which describes weaknesses where user-controlled input can manipulate file paths used in PHP's include or require functions.

Critical Impact

Attackers can potentially read sensitive configuration files, access credentials, or chain with other vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution on affected WordPress installations.

Affected Products

• Cookie Monster WordPress Plugin version 1.2.2 and earlier
• WordPress installations using vulnerable versions of the Cookie Monster plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-02-18 - CVE-2025-22656 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-22656

Vulnerability Analysis

The Cookie Monster WordPress plugin contains a PHP Local File Inclusion vulnerability that stems from insufficient input validation when handling file paths in include or require statements. When user-supplied input is passed to PHP's file inclusion functions without proper sanitization, attackers can manipulate the file path to access files outside the intended directory scope.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins are particularly dangerous because they can expose sensitive files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. In certain configurations, LFI can be escalated to Remote Code Execution through techniques like log poisoning or PHP wrapper exploitation.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the improper handling of user-controllable input that is subsequently used in PHP's include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once() functions. The plugin fails to adequately validate or sanitize file path parameters, allowing path traversal sequences (such as ../) to be used to access files outside the intended directory.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves manipulating request parameters that are used to determine which PHP file to include. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences to read arbitrary files from the server's filesystem. Common targets include:

• WordPress configuration files (wp-config.php)
• System files (/etc/passwd on Linux systems)
• Log files that may contain injected PHP code
• Other sensitive configuration files

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated or unauthenticated users depending on where the vulnerable code path exists within the plugin. Attackers typically use directory traversal sequences to navigate outside the web root and access sensitive system or application files.

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22656

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal patterns such as ../, ..%2f, or ....//
• Web server logs showing attempts to access sensitive files like wp-config.php or /etc/passwd
• Requests with encoded directory traversal sequences targeting the Cookie Monster plugin endpoints
• Unexpected file access patterns in WordPress plugin directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing directory traversal sequences
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block LFI attack patterns
• Use file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
• Review WordPress audit logs for suspicious plugin-related activity

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for the WordPress installation and web server
• Configure alerts for requests attempting to access files outside the web root
• Monitor for unusual PHP error messages that may indicate failed inclusion attempts
• Implement network-level monitoring for outbound connections that could indicate successful exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22656

Immediate Actions Required

• Deactivate and remove the Cookie Monster plugin (cookie-monster) if running version 1.2.2 or earlier
• Review web server and WordPress logs for signs of exploitation attempts
• Audit your WordPress installation for any unauthorized file access or modifications
• Consider rotating database credentials and WordPress authentication keys if exploitation is suspected

Patch Information

As of the available information, versions through 1.2.2 of the Cookie Monster plugin are vulnerable. Site administrators should check for updated versions of the plugin that address this vulnerability, or consider alternative cookie consent solutions if no patch is available.

For the latest information regarding patches and updates, consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Remove or deactivate the Cookie Monster plugin until a patched version is available
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal patterns targeting WordPress plugins
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of successful LFI attacks
• Use PHP security configurations such as open_basedir to restrict file access scope

# Apache .htaccess rule to block common LFI patterns
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (etc/passwd|proc/self) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]