CVE-2025-39399 Overview
CVE-2025-39399 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Ashraful Sarkar Naiem License For Envato WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Attackers can supply attacker-controlled input to load arbitrary local PHP files on the server. All versions of license-envato up to and including 1.0.0 are affected. Successful exploitation can lead to sensitive file disclosure and arbitrary code execution within the WordPress runtime context.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can trigger inclusion of arbitrary local files, leading to information disclosure, configuration exposure, and potential PHP code execution on affected WordPress sites.
Affected Products
- Ashraful Sarkar Naiem License For Envato plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 1.0.0
- WordPress installations with the license-envato plugin enabled
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-24 - CVE-2025-39399 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-39399
Vulnerability Analysis
The License For Envato plugin passes unsanitized user-controlled input into a PHP file inclusion function such as include, include_once, require, or require_once. Because the filename argument is not validated against an allowlist or constrained to a safe directory, an attacker can manipulate the parameter to traverse the filesystem. The request is exploitable over the network, but user interaction is required, which typically takes the form of a victim clicking a crafted link.
Once a malicious path resolves, PHP loads and executes the target file in the current request context. If the attacker can plant PHP content in a writable location, such as an uploads directory or log file, the inclusion becomes a full code execution primitive. The vulnerability is tracked under Common Weakness Enumeration [CWE-98], which covers improper control of filenames used in PHP include/require statements.
Root Cause
The plugin accepts a request parameter and concatenates it directly into a path string passed to a PHP inclusion function. No allowlist, normalization, or directory containment check is applied before the file is loaded.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires sending a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint and inducing a logged-in or unauthenticated user to follow the request. The attacker controls the included path, enabling reads of files such as wp-config.php or execution of attacker-staged PHP. See the Patchstack advisory for License For Envato for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-39399
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to license-envato plugin endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or null-byte variants in query parameters
- Web server access logs showing inclusion of sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP files outside the plugin directory
- Unexpected PHP file reads from the wp-content/uploads/ directory triggered by plugin request handlers
- New or modified PHP files in WordPress writable directories shortly after suspicious plugin requests
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web access logs for requests targeting plugin paths under wp-content/plugins/license-envato/ with file or path parameters
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that flag traversal patterns and inclusion of sensitive system or WordPress configuration files
- Correlate plugin request activity with subsequent file system changes in wp-content/uploads/ and other writable paths
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable PHP open_basedir violation logging to surface inclusion attempts that escape the intended directory
- Monitor outbound connections from the PHP-FPM or web server process for signs of post-exploitation activity
- Alert on creation of new PHP files in directories that should contain only static media assets
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-39399
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the License For Envato plugin until a patched version is available
- Audit the WordPress site for unauthorized files in wp-content/uploads/ and other writable paths
- Rotate WordPress database credentials and any secrets stored in wp-config.php if exploitation is suspected
Patch Information
No fixed version is identified in the published advisory. The vulnerability affects License For Envato from initial release through version 1.0.0. Monitor the Patchstack advisory and the WordPress plugin repository for an official update.
Workarounds
- Remove the plugin entirely if business requirements permit, as no patch is currently identified
- Apply WAF rules that block traversal sequences and suspicious file parameters on plugin endpoints
- Configure PHP open_basedir to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory
- Set the web server user to read-only on directories that should not be modified at runtime
# Configuration example: restrict PHP file access via php.ini
open_basedir = "/var/www/html/:/tmp/"
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
