CVE-2025-32672 Overview
CVE-2025-32672 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the g5theme Ultimate Bootstrap Elements for Elementor WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames passed to PHP include/require statements, classified as [CWE-98]. The issue affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.4.9. Unauthenticated attackers can coerce the application into loading arbitrary local PHP files, leading to sensitive information disclosure and, in chained scenarios, remote code execution on the WordPress host.
Critical Impact
Network-reachable attackers can include arbitrary local PHP files, exposing credentials and enabling code execution paths on affected WordPress sites.
Affected Products
- g5theme Ultimate Bootstrap Elements for Elementor (ultimate-bootstrap-elements-for-elementor)
- All plugin versions from initial release through 1.4.9
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-11 - CVE-2025-32672 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-32672
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in how the Ultimate Bootstrap Elements for Elementor plugin handles user-controlled input that flows into PHP file inclusion statements. The plugin accepts a parameter representing a template or component name and concatenates it into an include or require call without sufficient sanitization or whitelist validation. This allows an attacker to manipulate the inclusion path and reference files outside the intended template directory.
While the underlying weakness is categorized as PHP Remote File Inclusion (RFI), the practical exploitation on modern PHP deployments is Local File Inclusion (LFI), since allow_url_include is typically disabled. Successful exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction, though the CVSS vector indicates high attack complexity.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of path traversal sequences and missing allow-list validation on filename input passed to PHP file inclusion functions. Per [CWE-98], when external input controls the argument of include, require, include_once, or require_once, attackers can redirect execution to attacker-influenced files. The plugin trusts request-supplied values to resolve template paths instead of mapping them through a fixed dictionary of permitted templates.
Attack Vector
An unauthenticated attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint, supplying a path traversal payload (for example, sequences of ../) in the parameter that controls the included file. The PHP interpreter then loads and executes the targeted file. Attackers commonly target wp-config.php for database credentials, log files for log poisoning into RCE, or any uploaded file containing PHP code. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32672
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to plugin endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or encoded null bytes
- Web server access log entries referencing ultimate-bootstrap-elements-for-elementor with unusual query parameters
- Unexpected reads of sensitive files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files originating from the web server process
- Outbound connections or new PHP files written to wp-content/uploads/ shortly after suspicious plugin requests
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress and reverse-proxy logs for requests targeting plugin AJAX or template-loading endpoints with parameter values containing directory traversal patterns.
- Deploy WAF rules that block ../ sequences and known LFI payloads in parameters destined for plugin handlers.
- Monitor PHP file inclusion telemetry, where available, for include arguments resolving outside the plugin's template directory.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on web server processes reading wp-config.php or files outside the document root in unexpected contexts.
- Track creation of new PHP files in writable WordPress directories such as wp-content/uploads/.
- Correlate plugin endpoint requests with subsequent administrative account changes or outbound connections to unfamiliar hosts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32672
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Ultimate Bootstrap Elements for Elementor to a version later than 1.4.9 once the vendor publishes a fixed release.
- If no patched version is yet available, deactivate and remove the plugin from production WordPress sites.
- Rotate WordPress database credentials, secret keys in wp-config.php, and any API tokens that may have been disclosed.
Patch Information
At the time of NVD publication, the vendor advisory tracked by Patchstack lists versions through 1.4.9 as affected. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report and the WordPress plugin repository for the latest fixed release and apply it across all environments.
Workarounds
- Place the vulnerable plugin path behind WAF rules that strip or block path traversal sequences in request parameters.
- Set open_basedir in PHP configuration to confine the web application to its document root and prevent inclusion of files outside permitted directories.
- Ensure allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen are disabled in php.ini to prevent escalation from LFI toward remote inclusion.
- Restrict file system permissions so the web server cannot read sensitive configuration files beyond what WordPress strictly requires.
# Example php.ini hardening to limit file inclusion exposure
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = "/var/www/html:/tmp"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
