CVE-2025-53339 Overview
CVE-2025-53339 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Devnex Addons For Elementor WordPress plugin through version 1.0.9. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can manipulate file path parameters to include arbitrary local files on the server. Successful exploitation can disclose sensitive configuration data, source code, or lead to code execution when combined with file upload primitives.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can read arbitrary local files and potentially achieve PHP code execution on WordPress sites running Devnex Addons For Elementor through version 1.0.9.
Affected Products
- Devnex Addons For Elementor WordPress plugin (devnex-addons-for-elementor)
- All versions from n/a through 1.0.9
- WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-27 - CVE-2025-53339 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-53339
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-98]: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The plugin accepts user-controlled input and passes it to a PHP file inclusion function without proper validation or sanitization. This allows attackers to traverse the filesystem and load arbitrary PHP files accessible to the web server process.
Local File Inclusion in PHP applications typically results in disclosure of files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. Attackers can also chain LFI with log poisoning, session file manipulation, or wrappers like php://filter to escalate impact toward remote code execution.
The vulnerability requires low-privilege authenticated access, which limits unauthenticated mass exploitation. However, WordPress sites that allow subscriber or contributor registration expose a viable attack surface. The EPSS probability of 0.387% reflects the moderate likelihood of opportunistic exploitation against exposed WordPress instances.
Root Cause
The plugin constructs file paths from request parameters and passes them directly into PHP inclusion functions. Missing allowlist validation and absent path normalization permit directory traversal sequences such as ../ and absolute path injection.
Attack Vector
An authenticated attacker sends a crafted HTTP request to a vulnerable plugin endpoint, supplying a path parameter pointing to a target file. The PHP interpreter loads and executes the included file in the context of the WordPress process. Refer to the Patchstack advisory for additional technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53339
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Devnex Addons For Elementor endpoints containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or URL-encoded variants %2e%2e%2f
- Access patterns referencing sensitive files including wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or PHP session files
- Unexpected PHP errors in web server logs referencing include() or require() with unusual file paths
- Authenticated low-privilege user accounts accessing administrative plugin routes
Detection Strategies
- Inspect WordPress access logs for plugin requests containing path traversal patterns or absolute filesystem paths
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules that detect php://, file://, and phar:// wrapper usage in request parameters
- Monitor for outbound network connections originating from PHP processes that deviate from normal plugin behavior
- Correlate file read events on sensitive configuration files with corresponding HTTP requests to the plugin
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable PHP error logging and alert on inclusion warnings referencing user-controlled paths
- Track new or modified files in the WordPress directory structure, particularly in wp-content/uploads/
- Audit authenticated user sessions accessing plugin endpoints outside their expected role scope
- Forward web server and PHP logs to a centralized analytics platform for retention and correlation
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53339
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress installations running Devnex Addons For Elementor version 1.0.9 or earlier
- Update the plugin to a patched version once released by the vendor, or deactivate and remove it until a fix is available
- Rotate WordPress salts, database credentials, and any secrets stored in wp-config.php if exploitation is suspected
- Audit user accounts and remove unnecessary low-privilege users that could be leveraged for authenticated exploitation
Patch Information
At the time of NVD publication, the affected versions include all releases up to and including 1.0.9. Site administrators should monitor the Patchstack vulnerability database entry and the official WordPress plugin repository for vendor updates.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and delete the Devnex Addons For Elementor plugin until a patched version is installed
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative and AJAX endpoints using IP allowlisting at the WAF or reverse proxy
- Disable user self-registration on WordPress sites that do not require it to reduce the authenticated attack surface
- Configure PHP open_basedir restrictions to limit which files the web server process can read
# Example PHP open_basedir restriction in php.ini or vhost configuration
php_admin_value open_basedir "/var/www/html/:/tmp/"
# Example WAF rule pattern to block traversal sequences
SecRule ARGS "@rx (\.\./|\.\.\\|%2e%2e%2f|php://|file://)" \
"id:1005339,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'LFI attempt blocked'"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
