CVE-2025-54028 Overview
CVE-2025-54028 is a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Saleswonder Team CF7 WOW Styler WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper control of filenames used in PHP include or require statements [CWE-98]. Attackers can leverage user-controlled input to load arbitrary local PHP files on the server. The vulnerability affects all CF7 WOW Styler versions up to and including 1.7.2.
Successful exploitation can lead to disclosure of sensitive server-side files, execution of attacker-controlled PHP code already present on the host, and full compromise of the WordPress site. The issue is network-exploitable but requires user interaction.
Critical Impact
A remote attacker who induces user interaction can include arbitrary local PHP files, potentially leading to full WordPress site compromise.
Affected Products
- Saleswonder Team CF7 WOW Styler (cf7-styler) WordPress plugin
- All versions from initial release through 1.7.2
- WordPress installations using Contact Form 7 with CF7 WOW Styler enabled
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-20 - CVE-2025-54028 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-54028
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is categorized under [CWE-98]: Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program. The plugin passes attacker-influenced input into a PHP include or require call without sufficient sanitization or allow-listing.
When a victim performs a triggering action, such as clicking a crafted URL, the plugin resolves the supplied path to a file on the WordPress server and loads it as PHP. An attacker can target server-resident files such as wp-config.php contents reflected via logs, session files, or uploaded media that contains PHP payloads.
Because execution occurs in the WordPress PHP process, the attacker inherits the privileges of the web server user. This can be chained with file upload primitives or log poisoning techniques to achieve Remote Code Execution. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected site.
Root Cause
The root cause is unsafe construction of an include/require path from untrusted input. The plugin does not enforce a strict allow-list of permitted files, nor does it canonicalize and validate the path against a fixed base directory. Path traversal sequences and absolute paths are not rejected before the file is loaded.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires user interaction, such as a logged-in administrator or visitor following a crafted link. The attacker constructs a request that supplies a filename parameter pointing to a server-local file. The plugin then includes the referenced file during request processing.
Further technical detail is available in the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-54028
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs containing requests to CF7 WOW Styler endpoints with parameters holding path traversal sequences such as ../ or absolute paths.
- Unexpected PHP errors referencing include(), require(), or failed to open stream originating from wp-content/plugins/cf7-styler/.
- Inclusion of files outside the plugin directory, particularly wp-config.php, log files, or files within /tmp and uploads directories.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect HTTP request parameters sent to CF7 WOW Styler handlers for filename values that contain .., null bytes, or non-plugin paths.
- Correlate WordPress PHP error logs with web access logs to surface include/require failures tied to suspicious request parameters.
- Hunt for unexpected child processes spawned by the PHP-FPM or Apache worker handling WordPress requests.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose access logging on the WordPress front controller and retain logs for forensic review.
- Monitor file integrity on wp-content/uploads and plugin directories to detect attacker-staged PHP payloads.
- Alert on outbound network connections initiated by the web server process to non-approved destinations.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-54028
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the CF7 WOW Styler plugin and confirm the installed version.
- Deactivate and remove the plugin on any site running version 1.7.2 or earlier until a fixed release is verified.
- Rotate WordPress secrets in wp-config.php and database credentials if exploitation is suspected.
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the vulnerability affects CF7 WOW Styler versions up to and including 1.7.2. Site administrators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report for current patch availability and upgrade to a fixed version once published by the vendor.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative endpoints using IP allow-listing or VPN gating to reduce the user interaction attack surface.
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall rule that blocks requests to CF7 WOW Styler endpoints containing path traversal patterns or absolute file paths.
- Configure PHP open_basedir to constrain include paths to the WordPress installation directory, limiting the reach of any successful inclusion.
# Example PHP open_basedir restriction in php.ini or pool config
php_admin_value[open_basedir] = "/var/www/html/wordpress/:/tmp/"
php_admin_value[allow_url_include] = Off
php_admin_value[allow_url_fopen] = Off
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
