CVE-2025-53257 Overview
CVE-2025-53257 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Gmedia Photo Gallery WordPress plugin (grand-media) developed by Serhii Pasyuk. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Affected versions include all releases up to and including 1.23.0. Authenticated attackers with low privileges can leverage the vulnerability to include arbitrary local PHP files, leading to code execution within the WordPress application context.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can include local PHP files through the Gmedia Photo Gallery plugin, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the WordPress site.
Affected Products
- Serhii Pasyuk Gmedia Photo Gallery (grand-media) plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 1.23.0
- WordPress installations with the plugin enabled
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-27 - CVE-2025-53257 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-53257
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-98]: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The plugin accepts attacker-influenced input and passes it to a PHP include or require construct without sufficient validation or sanitization. While the CWE category historically covers Remote File Inclusion (RFI), in this instance the issue manifests as Local File Inclusion (LFI), meaning attackers must reference files already present on the server.
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code by including files containing PHP payloads, such as uploaded media, log files, or session files. The EPSS score is 0.477% with a percentile of 37.429, indicating measurable but not widespread exploitation likelihood.
Root Cause
The root cause is the use of unsanitized user-controllable input as a path argument to a PHP file inclusion statement. The plugin fails to enforce an allowlist of permitted file paths or to constrain inclusion to a specific directory. As a result, traversal sequences and absolute paths are interpreted by the PHP runtime.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires low privileges within the WordPress instance. An attacker submits a crafted request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint, supplying a path parameter that resolves to a local file containing PHP code. The interpreter then executes the included file in the context of the web server process. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for technical details specific to the vulnerable parameter and endpoint.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53257
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Gmedia Photo Gallery plugin endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../ or absolute paths in query parameters
- Web server access logs referencing wp-content/plugins/grand-media/ with parameters resolving to non-media files such as wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files
- Unexpected PHP processes spawned by the web server user following plugin requests
- New or modified files in wp-content/uploads/ containing PHP code
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for plugin requests carrying suspicious file path parameters or encoded traversal sequences
- Audit installed plugin versions and flag any grand-media instance at version 1.23.0 or earlier
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that match LFI patterns against requests targeting the plugin path
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor file integrity of wp-content/uploads/ and plugin directories for unauthorized PHP files
- Alert on outbound network connections initiated by the PHP-FPM or web server process that deviate from baseline behavior
- Track authentication events to identify low-privilege accounts performing unusual plugin interactions
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53257
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the Gmedia Photo Gallery (grand-media) plugin at version 1.23.0 or earlier
- Disable or remove the plugin until a fixed version is installed and verified
- Review WordPress user accounts and revoke unnecessary low-privilege access that could be abused for exploitation
- Inspect the server for indicators of compromise, including unauthorized PHP files in uploads directories
Patch Information
At the time of CVE publication, the vulnerability affects Gmedia Photo Gallery versions up to and including 1.23.0. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report and the WordPress plugin repository for the latest fixed release and upgrade guidance.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin area using network-level controls or IP allowlisting
- Configure PHP with open_basedir restrictions to limit which directories included files can reside in
- Deploy WAF rules that block path traversal sequences and inclusion of sensitive system files
- Set allow_url_include to Off in php.ini to prevent any escalation to remote file inclusion scenarios
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
