CVE-2025-53207: WP Travel Blocks LFI Vulnerability

CVE-2025-53207 Overview

CVE-2025-53207 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks plugin for WordPress. The flaw originates from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Attackers can manipulate file path parameters to load arbitrary local PHP files on the server. The vulnerability affects all versions of WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks up to and including 3.9.0. Successful exploitation can lead to source code disclosure, sensitive data exposure, and remote code execution when combined with file upload primitives.

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated network attackers can include and execute arbitrary local PHP files, potentially leading to full site compromise.

Affected Products

WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks (wp-travel-blocks) plugin for WordPress
All versions from initial release through 3.9.0
WordPress installations using the WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks plugin

Discovery Timeline

2025-08-20 - CVE-2025-53207 published to NVD
2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-53207

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-98]: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks plugin accepts user-controlled input that is passed directly into a PHP include or require statement without sufficient validation. An attacker can craft a request that resolves to arbitrary local files on the WordPress host. While the advisory categorizes this as Remote File Inclusion in its title, the practical impact described is Local File Inclusion.

LFI in PHP applications typically allows attackers to read sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php, log files, or session storage. When an attacker can write content into log files or upload files containing PHP code, LFI escalates into arbitrary PHP execution. The vulnerable plugin path resides in wp-travel-blocks, exposed through the WordPress front-end or admin endpoints.

Root Cause

The root cause is the use of unsanitized user input in a PHP file inclusion statement. The plugin fails to apply an allowlist of permitted file paths or to strip directory traversal sequences such as ../. This permits path resolution outside of the intended template directory.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint, supplying a manipulated filename parameter. The PHP interpreter then includes the targeted file and executes any PHP code it contains. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Analysis for technical details on the affected parameter.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53207

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or URL-encoded variants like %2e%2e%2f
Web server access logs showing parameter values referencing wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or php://filter wrappers
Unexpected PHP errors in server logs referencing include() or require() with unusual file paths
New or modified PHP files in the WordPress uploads directory following suspicious requests

Detection Strategies

Inspect web access logs for requests targeting wp-travel-blocks plugin paths with suspicious file path parameters
Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that flag directory traversal patterns and PHP stream wrappers in query strings
Monitor file integrity on the WordPress installation, particularly the wp-content/plugins/wp-travel-blocks/ directory

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable PHP error logging and alert on include/require failures referencing untrusted paths
Correlate authentication events, file uploads, and plugin requests to identify multi-stage exploitation chains
Track outbound connections from the web server process that may indicate post-exploitation activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53207

Immediate Actions Required

Deactivate the WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks plugin until a patched version is installed
Audit web server access logs for prior exploitation attempts against the plugin
Review the wp-content/uploads/ directory for unauthorized PHP files and remove them
Rotate WordPress secret keys, database credentials, and administrator passwords if compromise is suspected

Patch Information

The vulnerability affects WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks versions up to and including 3.9.0. Administrators should upgrade to a version released after 3.9.0 that addresses this issue. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Analysis for the latest patched version information.

Workarounds

Disable or remove the WP Travel Gutenberg Blocks plugin if a patch cannot be applied immediately
Deploy WAF rules blocking directory traversal patterns and PHP stream wrappers on plugin endpoints
Configure PHP open_basedir to restrict file inclusion to the WordPress installation directory
Set allow_url_include to Off in php.ini to prevent remote inclusion escalation

bash

# Configuration example
# Restrict PHP file inclusion in php.ini
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = /var/www/html:/tmp