CVE-2025-53567: Ghost Kit PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-53567 Overview

CVE-2025-53567 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the Ghost Kit WordPress plugin developed by nK. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include local files from the server filesystem. This flaw can potentially lead to sensitive information disclosure, configuration file exposure, and in some scenarios, remote code execution when combined with other attack techniques.

Critical Impact

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive files from the server, potentially exposing database credentials, WordPress configuration files, and other critical system information.

Affected Products

• Ghost Kit WordPress Plugin versions up to and including 3.4.1
• WordPress installations with Ghost Kit plugin enabled
• All platforms running vulnerable versions of the Ghost Kit plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-08-20 - CVE-2025-53567 published to NVD
• 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-53567

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). The Ghost Kit plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in PHP file inclusion operations. When an attacker can control part of the filename passed to include(), require(), or similar PHP functions, they can manipulate the path to access files outside the intended directory structure.

Local File Inclusion vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins are particularly dangerous because they can expose the wp-config.php file, which contains database credentials and authentication keys. Additionally, if the server allows log file inclusion or file upload functionality exists, attackers may chain this vulnerability with log poisoning or uploaded file execution to achieve remote code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation and sanitization for file path parameters. The Ghost Kit plugin accepts user-controlled input that influences PHP include or require statements without adequately restricting the allowed file paths. This allows path traversal sequences (such as ../) to navigate the filesystem and include arbitrary local files.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and does not require authentication or user interaction, though exploitation complexity is high due to the need to identify exploitable parameters and craft appropriate payloads. An attacker would need to:

1. Identify an endpoint or parameter in the Ghost Kit plugin that accepts user input for file operations
2. Craft a malicious request containing path traversal sequences
3. Submit the request to include sensitive local files such as /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or application logs

The vulnerability can be exploited by submitting specially crafted requests that manipulate the file path parameter. An attacker could use directory traversal techniques with sequences like ../ to escape the intended directory and access sensitive files. For example, targeting paths such as wp-config.php or server configuration files could expose database credentials and authentication secrets. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Patchstack security advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53567

Indicators of Compromise

• Web server access logs containing unusual requests to Ghost Kit endpoints with path traversal patterns (../, ..%2f, ..%5c)
• Error logs showing failed file inclusion attempts or access denied errors for sensitive system paths
• Unexpected file access patterns in application logs indicating attempts to read configuration files
• HTTP requests containing encoded traversal sequences targeting the Ghost Kit plugin directory

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in request parameters
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Configure intrusion detection systems to alert on anomalous file access patterns from web server processes
• Monitor for requests containing common LFI payloads targeting /etc/passwd, wp-config.php, or log files

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on web servers to capture full request URIs and parameters
• Set up real-time alerting for requests matching known LFI attack signatures
• Monitor WordPress plugin directories for unauthorized file access attempts
• Review access logs regularly for reconnaissance activity targeting plugin endpoints

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53567

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Ghost Kit plugin to the latest patched version immediately
• If a patch is not yet available, temporarily disable or remove the Ghost Kit plugin from WordPress installations
• Review web server access logs for any signs of exploitation attempts
• Implement WAF rules to block path traversal attacks as an additional defense layer
• Audit WordPress installations for any signs of compromise following potential exploitation

Patch Information

Affected organizations should update the Ghost Kit plugin beyond version 3.4.1 to receive the security fix for this vulnerability. Check the official WordPress plugin repository or the vendor's website for the latest secure version. For detailed patch information and vulnerability status, consult the Patchstack vulnerability database entry.

Workarounds

• Disable the Ghost Kit plugin until a patch is applied, if operationally feasible
• Implement strict input validation at the web server or WAF level to filter path traversal sequences
• Use PHP configuration settings such as open_basedir to restrict file access to specific directories
• Deploy virtual patching through security plugins or WAF rules that specifically address this vulnerability

# Apache mod_rewrite rule to block common path traversal patterns
# Add to .htaccess in WordPress root directory
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\.%2f|\.\.%5c) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]