CVE-2025-27272 Overview
CVE-2025-27272 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the vinagecko VG PostCarousel WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames passed to PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Affected versions include all releases of VG PostCarousel up to and including version 1.1. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can manipulate file path parameters to load arbitrary local PHP files on the server. Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive configuration data, execution of attacker-controlled PHP, and full compromise of the WordPress installation.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker can include arbitrary local files in PHP execution context, leading to information disclosure and potential code execution within the WordPress environment.
Affected Products
- vinagecko VG PostCarousel (vg-postcarousel) WordPress plugin
- All versions from initial release through 1.1
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-24 - CVE-2025-27272 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-27272
Vulnerability Analysis
The VG PostCarousel plugin accepts user-controlled input that is used to construct a path passed to a PHP include or require statement. Because the input is not properly validated or restricted to an allowlist of expected files, an attacker can substitute traversal sequences or alternate file paths. PHP then executes whatever local file the resolved path points to. When the included file contains PHP code, the server executes it under the web server's privileges. Even when the target file contains only data such as wp-config.php, the contents may be reflected or otherwise exposed.
Root Cause
The root cause is the lack of input sanitization on a parameter that feeds directly into a dynamic file inclusion call. The plugin does not normalize the path, restrict it to a designated template directory, or validate against an allowlist of permitted filenames. This is a textbook instance of CWE-98, Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the WordPress site and an authenticated session with at least low-level privileges. The attacker submits a crafted request to the vulnerable plugin endpoint, supplying a path that traverses to a sensitive file such as wp-config.php or to an attacker-uploaded file with PHP content. The PHP engine resolves the path and executes or discloses the file contents. While the CVSS attack complexity is rated high due to environmental prerequisites, the impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability is significant. The EPSS score of 0.852% places this vulnerability in the 75th percentile of likely-to-be-exploited issues.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for additional technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-27272
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to VG PostCarousel plugin endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or absolute paths like /etc/passwd.
- Web server access logs showing parameter values referencing wp-config.php, php://filter, or other PHP wrapper schemes.
- Unexpected PHP errors in server logs referencing failed include or require operations from the vg-postcarousel plugin directory.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for requests targeting the VG PostCarousel plugin with suspicious file path parameters.
- Deploy web application firewall rules that flag PHP wrapper schemes and directory traversal patterns in query strings and POST bodies.
- Correlate authenticated user activity with file inclusion attempts to surface compromised low-privilege accounts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable PHP error logging and forward logs to a centralized SIEM for analysis of inclusion failures and warnings.
- Monitor file integrity on the WordPress installation, specifically for unexpected PHP files under wp-content/uploads that could be used as LFI targets.
- Alert on outbound connections from the web server process to unusual hosts, which can indicate post-exploitation activity.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-27272
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable or remove the VG PostCarousel plugin until a patched version is installed.
- Audit WordPress user accounts and revoke unnecessary privileges that could be abused to reach the vulnerable endpoint.
- Review web server and PHP logs for evidence of exploitation attempts predating the mitigation.
Patch Information
No vendor-supplied patch has been documented in the available references. Administrators should monitor the Patchstack advisory for updates and apply any version released after 1.1 as soon as it becomes available.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin and authenticated endpoints using IP allowlists or VPN-based access controls.
- Configure PHP open_basedir to limit file inclusion to the WordPress document root and prevent traversal to sensitive system files.
- Set allow_url_include = Off and allow_url_fopen = Off in php.ini to reduce the attack surface for inclusion-based exploits.
# Configuration example: php.ini hardening
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
