CVE-2025-25790 Overview
An arbitrary file upload vulnerability exists in the \controller\LocalTemplate.php component of FoxCMS v1.2.5. This flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target server by uploading a specially crafted Zip file. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of file contents during the template upload process, enabling attackers to bypass security controls and achieve remote code execution.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can achieve full server compromise through arbitrary code execution by exploading the insecure file upload functionality in FoxCMS v1.2.5.
Affected Products
- FoxCMS v1.2.5
- FoxCMS \controller\LocalTemplate.php component
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-26 - CVE-2025-25790 published to NVD
- 2025-04-09 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-25790
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type). The LocalTemplate.php controller in FoxCMS v1.2.5 fails to properly validate the contents of uploaded Zip files during the template import process. An attacker can craft a malicious Zip archive containing PHP web shells or other executable code, which gets extracted and stored in a web-accessible directory. Once the malicious files are extracted, the attacker can directly access them via HTTP requests to achieve remote code execution on the underlying server.
The vulnerability is network-accessible and requires no authentication or user interaction to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing FoxCMS installations. Successful exploitation grants attackers complete control over the web server, including the ability to read sensitive data, modify content, and pivot to other systems on the network.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate file validation within the LocalTemplate.php controller. The component accepts Zip file uploads for template installation but fails to:
- Validate file extensions within the Zip archive against a whitelist of safe file types
- Inspect file contents for potentially malicious PHP code or web shells
- Sanitize filenames to prevent path traversal attacks during extraction
- Restrict the extraction location to prevent files from being placed in executable directories
This combination of missing security controls allows attackers to upload and execute arbitrary PHP code on the server.
Attack Vector
The attack is carried out over the network, targeting the template upload functionality in FoxCMS. An attacker prepares a malicious Zip file containing a PHP web shell or backdoor script. By submitting this crafted archive to the vulnerable LocalTemplate.php endpoint, the attacker can have the malicious files extracted to the web server's document root. Once extracted, the attacker can access the uploaded PHP file directly via a web browser to execute arbitrary commands on the server with the privileges of the web server process.
The vulnerability requires no authentication to exploit, meaning any remote attacker with network access to a vulnerable FoxCMS instance can attempt exploitation. The attack does not require any user interaction, making automated exploitation feasible.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-25790
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected PHP files appearing in template directories or web-accessible paths
- Web server access logs showing requests to unusual PHP files in template-related directories
- Suspicious Zip file uploads to the FoxCMS template upload endpoint
- Evidence of command execution or reverse shell connections originating from the web server process
Detection Strategies
- Monitor file system changes in FoxCMS template directories for newly created PHP files
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to inspect Zip file uploads for embedded PHP code
- Review web server access logs for anomalous POST requests to LocalTemplate.php endpoints
- Deploy endpoint detection to identify unauthorized process spawning from web server processes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed logging for file upload operations in FoxCMS
- Configure alerts for new executable file creation in web-accessible directories
- Monitor for outbound connections from web server processes that may indicate reverse shell activity
- Implement integrity monitoring on critical FoxCMS directories to detect unauthorized modifications
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-25790
Immediate Actions Required
- Remove or restrict access to the LocalTemplate.php template upload functionality until a patch is available
- Implement network-level access controls to restrict access to FoxCMS administrative functions
- Review existing template directories for any suspicious or unexpected PHP files
- Consider upgrading to a newer version of FoxCMS if a patched release becomes available
Patch Information
As of the last update, no official vendor patch has been publicly announced for this vulnerability. Organizations should monitor the FoxCMS Official Site and FoxCMS Chinese Version Site for security updates. Additional technical details about this vulnerability are available in the GitHub FoxCMS RCE Exploit documentation.
Workarounds
- Disable or remove the template upload functionality by restricting access to LocalTemplate.php
- Implement strict file type validation at the web server level to reject Zip files containing PHP code
- Deploy a WAF with rules to block malicious file uploads to the template endpoint
- Restrict administrative access to FoxCMS using IP whitelisting or VPN requirements
# Example: Restrict access to LocalTemplate.php using Apache
<Location /controller/LocalTemplate.php>
Require ip 10.0.0.0/8
Require ip 192.168.0.0/16
</Location>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
