CVE-2025-39507: Nasatheme Nasa Core Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2025-39507 Overview

CVE-2025-39507 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the NasaTheme Nasa Core plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Authenticated attackers can manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary local files on the server. The issue affects all Nasa Core versions up to and including 6.4.4. Successful exploitation leads to source code disclosure, sensitive data exposure, and in many cases remote code execution when combined with file upload primitives.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can include arbitrary PHP files on the WordPress server, leading to source code disclosure and potential remote code execution with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

NasaTheme Nasa Core plugin for WordPress
All versions from initial release through 6.4.4
WordPress sites using the Nasa theme ecosystem that bundle the Nasa Core plugin

Discovery Timeline

2025-05-16 - CVE-2025-39507 published to the National Vulnerability Database
2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-39507

Vulnerability Analysis

The Nasa Core plugin contains a code path that constructs a filename for a PHP include or require statement using attacker-controllable input. The plugin fails to validate or sanitize the resolved path against an allowlist of expected files. As a result, an authenticated user can supply a relative path that traverses outside the intended directory and reaches arbitrary PHP files on the server.

Because PHP executes any included file as code, the attacker can pivot from file disclosure to code execution. Common abuse patterns include including session files, log files containing attacker-supplied strings, or uploaded media files renamed to bypass extension filters. The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-98] and [CWE-829] (Inclusion of Functionality from Untrusted Control Sphere).

Root Cause

The root cause is unsanitized input flowing into a PHP file-inclusion sink. The plugin trusts a user-supplied parameter to identify the target file without enforcing path canonicalization, directory restriction, or an explicit allowlist of permitted filenames. Path traversal sequences and absolute paths are accepted by the underlying include call.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires low-privilege authentication. An attacker with any authenticated WordPress role that can reach the vulnerable endpoint sends a crafted HTTP request containing a manipulated file parameter. The server resolves the path, includes the targeted file, and executes any PHP it contains. No user interaction is required.

No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly indexed for this vulnerability. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the disclosure details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-39507

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Nasa Core plugin endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or absolute filesystem paths in query parameters
Web server access logs showing inclusion of files outside wp-content/plugins/nasa-core/, such as wp-config.php or /etc/passwd
Unexpected PHP errors in logs referencing include() or require() failures with attacker-controlled paths
New or modified PHP files in upload directories shortly before suspicious requests to the plugin

Detection Strategies

Inspect WordPress and web server logs for requests targeting Nasa Core plugin parameters that resolve to file paths
Deploy web application firewall rules that flag path traversal patterns and null-byte injection in plugin parameters
Monitor PHP file inclusion telemetry through runtime application self-protection or PHP audit extensions
Correlate authenticated session activity with anomalous file access patterns on the underlying host

Monitoring Recommendations

Alert on read access to wp-config.php, .env, and other sensitive files from the web server process outside expected workflows
Track creation of PHP files in writable directories such as wp-content/uploads/ and verify they are not subsequently included
Enable WordPress audit logging to record privileged actions performed by low-privilege accounts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-39507

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Nasa Core plugin to a version later than 6.4.4 as soon as the vendor publishes a fixed release
Audit all WordPress user accounts and remove unused or low-trust authenticated accounts that could be abused
Review web server and PHP error logs for prior exploitation attempts referencing plugin file parameters
Restrict access to the WordPress admin and authenticated endpoints by IP allowlist where feasible

Patch Information

The vendor advisory is tracked through the Patchstack Vulnerability Report. Site operators should monitor the NasaTheme vendor channels and Patchstack for the patched release and apply it across all affected installations.

Workarounds

Disable the Nasa Core plugin until a patched version is installed if the affected functionality is not business critical
Deploy a web application firewall rule that blocks path traversal patterns and absolute paths in Nasa Core request parameters
Set PHP open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to the WordPress installation directory, limiting reachable files
Remove write permissions from web-accessible directories to prevent attackers from staging PHP payloads for inclusion

bash

# Example php.ini hardening to limit file inclusion scope
open_basedir = "/var/www/html/:/tmp/"
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
disable_functions = "exec,passthru,shell_exec,system,proc_open,popen"