CVE-2025-53326: Gutenify PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-53326 Overview

CVE-2025-53326 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the CodeYatri Gutenify WordPress plugin. 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 load arbitrary local PHP files within the web server context. The vulnerability affects Gutenify versions up to and including 1.5.4 and was addressed in version 1.5.6. Successful exploitation can lead to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and in some configurations, remote code execution through log poisoning or session file inclusion.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can include arbitrary local files through the Gutenify plugin, potentially exposing credentials in wp-config.php or escalating to code execution.

Affected Products

CodeYatri Gutenify WordPress plugin versions up to and including 1.5.4
WordPress sites with Gutenify plugin installed and activated
All WordPress hosting environments running vulnerable plugin versions

Discovery Timeline

2025-08-28 - CVE-2025-53326 published to NVD
2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-53326

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is classified as Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program [CWE-98]. Gutenify accepts user-controlled input that is passed into a PHP include or require call without sufficient validation or sanitization. This allows attackers with low-privilege authenticated access to traverse the filesystem and load arbitrary .php files accessible to the web server process.

The vulnerability is rated as High severity. Although the attack complexity is rated as high and authentication is required, the impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability is significant. The EPSS score is 0.157%, placing it in the 36th percentile for exploitation likelihood.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing allow-list validation on a filename parameter handled by the plugin. When PHP encounters an include or require statement with attacker-controlled input, it interprets the resolved path as executable PHP code. Gutenify fails to constrain the parameter to a fixed set of expected templates or component files. Path traversal sequences such as ../ can therefore escape the intended directory and reference arbitrary local files.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based and requires low-level authentication on the target WordPress site. An attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable Gutenify endpoint, supplying a manipulated file parameter. The server resolves the path and executes the referenced PHP file. Attackers commonly chain LFI with log poisoning, uploaded media files, or PHP session files to achieve remote code execution. Sensitive configuration files such as wp-config.php can be read to extract database credentials and authentication keys.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. See the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for additional technical context.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53326

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to Gutenify plugin endpoints containing path traversal sequences such as ../, ..%2f, or encoded null bytes in file parameters.
Unexpected access to wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or /proc/self/environ recorded in web server logs.
PHP error log entries referencing failed include or require calls originating from Gutenify source files.
Web shell artifacts or unexpected PHP files in wp-content/uploads/ directories.

Detection Strategies

Inspect WordPress access logs for requests targeting Gutenify endpoints with suspicious query parameters containing file path references.
Deploy web application firewall rules that block path traversal patterns and absolute paths in plugin parameters.
Monitor for authenticated user sessions making anomalous requests immediately after login, particularly from low-privilege roles.
Use file integrity monitoring on WordPress core directories and wp-config.php to identify unauthorized reads or modifications.

Monitoring Recommendations

Correlate plugin endpoint access with user role and request frequency to surface low-privilege accounts probing the plugin.
Alert on outbound network connections initiated by the PHP-FPM or Apache process to unexpected destinations.
Track creation of new PHP files in writable WordPress directories and flag execution from upload directories.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53326

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Gutenify plugin to version 1.5.6 or later on all affected WordPress installations.
Audit user accounts and revoke unnecessary contributor, author, or editor privileges that could be abused to authenticate.
Review web server and PHP error logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts referencing the plugin.
Rotate WordPress secret keys and database credentials if log review indicates wp-config.php may have been read.

Patch Information

The vendor has released Gutenify version 1.5.6, which remediates the local file inclusion vulnerability. Apply the update through the WordPress plugin dashboard or via WP-CLI using wp plugin update gutenify. Refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability advisory for version-specific guidance.

Workarounds

Deactivate and remove the Gutenify plugin until patching is feasible.
Configure a web application firewall to block requests containing path traversal sequences targeting /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php or Gutenify REST routes.
Restrict PHP open_basedir to limit which filesystem paths can be included by PHP scripts.
Set allow_url_include to Off in php.ini to prevent escalation to remote file inclusion.

bash

# Configuration example
# Update Gutenify plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin update gutenify --version=1.5.6

# Harden php.ini against file inclusion abuse
allow_url_include = Off
allow_url_fopen = Off
open_basedir = /var/www/html:/tmp